SCORPENE SUBMARINE
1. Context
The Defence Acquisition Council, the apex decision-making body for the acquisition of military equipment for India’s armed forces, on Thursday (July 13, 2023) cleared proposals worth thousands of crores to buy three additional Scorpene submarines and 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Navy. The decision coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day Paris trip, which began the on same day. The DAC decision has paved the way for an announcement on procuring the submarines during PM Modi’s trip to France.
2. About Scorpene-Class Submarines
- The Scorpene-class submarines are one of the most advanced conventional submarines in the world.
- The submarine has superior stealth features, such as low radiated noise levels, advanced acoustic silencing techniques, and the ability to attack with precision-guided weapons on board.
- The Indian Navy intends to use the submarines for missions such as intelligence gathering, area surveillance, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and minelaying operations.
- The submarines are armed with six torpedo-launching tubes, 18 heavy weapons, tube-launched MBDA SM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, and precision-guided weapons.
- It can launch crippling attacks on the surface and underwater enemy targets.
- Moreover, the attack submarines can travel at a maximum submerged speed of approximately 20 knots and can remain submerged for 21 days.
- These Submarines have a diving depth of more than 350 m.
- The Scorpene class of submarines was designed by French naval shipbuilding firm DCNS in partnership with Spanish shipbuilding firm Navantia.
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3. India's Procurement of Additional Submarines
- India plans to procure three additional submarines due to delayed deliveries under Project 75 and to bolster their submarine fleet.
- The Indian Navy currently has 16 conventional submarines in service.
- The Navy needs at least 18 submarines to carry out its full spectrum of operations.
- Approximately 30% of the submarines are under refit at any given time, reducing the strength of operational submarines.
- The upcoming refits for the Kalvari-class submarines will further reduce operational strength.
- The procurement of additional submarines with higher indigenous content will maintain force levels and operational readiness while creating employment opportunities.
- It will also enhance the capability and expertise of the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in submarine construction.
4. Advantages of Nuclear and Conventional Submarines
Advantages of Nuclear Submarines:
- Unlimited endurance with a nuclear reactor operational life of up to 30 years.
- No need to surface frequently for crew supplies due to non-reliance on batteries.
- Ability to achieve higher speeds compared to conventional submarines.
Considerations for Nuclear Submarines:
- Expensive to procure and require specialized operational experience.
- Advancements in diesel-electric technology have increased the range and stealth of conventional submarines.
Importance of Conventional Submarines:
- Conventional submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems offer increased endurance and stealth.
- Retrofitting of Scorpene class submarines with AIP systems planned by the Indian Navy starting in 2024.
5. About Project 75
- Project-75 (I) envisages the indigenous construction of six modern conventional submarines with contemporary equipment, weapons & sensors including Fuel Cell based AIP (Air Independent Propulsion Plant), advanced torpedoes, modern missiles, and state-of-the-art countermeasure systems.
- This would provide a major boost to the indigenous design and construction capability of submarines in India, in addition to bringing in the latest submarine design and technologies as part of the project.
- The overall aim would be to progressively build indigenous capabilities in the private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex weapon systems for the future needs of the Armed Forces.
| For Prelims: Scorpene-class submarines, Project 75, Defence Acquisition Council, Rafale Marine fighter jets, MBDA SM-39 Exocet anti-ship missile, precision-guided weapons, Kalvari-class submarines, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. |
Source: The Indian Express
