New Delhi: India is expected to take a key decision soon on a major submarine-building programme for the Indian Navy, with the Cabinet Committee on Security likely to consider the proposal in an upcoming meeting.
The plan involves constructing six submarines at an estimated cost of Rs 70,000 crore, as the Navy faces a shortage of submarines and the Centre has moved to add more platforms.
Under the proposal, Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) would build the submarines in partnership with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). The project had been pending for a long period due to unresolved issues related to technology features and commercial terms.
Officials expect the programme to receive approval soon. Once cleared by the security cabinet, the contract is expected to be signed and construction work to begin.
The Navy already operates submarines built in Germany. The proposed deal is expected to be the first time submarines are built in India in collaboration with Germany, with an emphasis on technology transfer and strengthening undersea warfare capabilities.
