DELIVERY OF FIRST SCORPENE SUBMARINE BY MDL

History was written at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) on September 21, 2017, with the delivery of the first Scorpene submarine, Kalvari, to the Indian Navy. This historic event reaffirms the giant strides taken by MDL in the ongoing Ô Make In IndiaÕ programme, which is being actively implemented by the Department of Defence Production (MoD).

The contract for the construction and Transfer-of-Technology for six Scorpene submarines in series, with M/s DCNS of France as ÔCollaboratorÕ and MDL as ‘Builder’, was signed in October 2005. The state-of-art technology utilised in the Scorpene has ensured superior stealth features such as advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimised shape and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons. The attack can be launched with both torpedoes and tube launched anti-ship missiles, whilst underwater or on surface. Scorpene submarines can undertake multifarious types of missions i.e Anti-Surface warfare, Anti-Submarine warfare, Intelligence gathering, Mine Laying, Area Surveillance etc. The Submarine is designed to operate in all theatres, with means provided to ensure interoperability with other components of a Naval Task Force. It is a potent platform, marking a generational shift in submarine operations. The second of the Scorpenes under construction at MDL, Khanderi, was launched in January 2017, and is currently undergoing the rigorous phase of sea trials. The third Scorpene, Karanj, is being readied for launch later this year. The balance submarines are in various stages of outfitting.