Subs Bidding Process Starts 6 October
India is all set to launch the bidding process through a Request for Proposals (RFP), in October, for a Rs 55,000 crore mega project to build six conventional submarines, named as P-75 I, for the Indian Navy to narrow the gap with China’s growing naval prowess.
The submarines will be built in India under the much-talked-about strategic partnership model that allows domestic companies to join hands with leading foreign defence majors to produce high-end military platforms in the country and reduce import dependence.
The defence ministry has already shortlisted two Indian shipyards – L&T group and state-owned Mazagon Docks Ltd (MDL) – and five foreign defence majors for the project, being billed as one of biggest “Make in India” ventures. The short-listed foreign entities include ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Germany), Navantia (Spain) and Naval Group (France).
Initially, the defence ministry will issue RFPs to MDL and L&T and the two firms will have to submit their detailed bid after receiving the document. Subsequently, the L&T and MDL will have to select a foreign partner out of the five short-listed entities.
The Indian Navy plans to acquire 24 new submarines, including six nuclear attack submarines, to bolster its underwater fighting capability. It currently has 15 conventional submarines and two nuclear submarines.
The Indian Navy is also in the process of procuring 57 carrier-borne fighter jets, 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) and 123 multi-role helicopters under the strategic partnership model.
Indian Navy’s Third P17A-class Stealth Frigate
The Ministry of Defence has announced the start of construction on the Indian Navy’s third ship (Yard- 12653) under the P17A-class stealth frigates. The keel was laid on 10 September . Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) are responsible for the construction of the P17A ships. MDL is building four P17A ships for the navy, while GRSE is constructing three.
The frigates are being constructed with indigenously developed steel and will be equipped with weapons and sensors, as well as an Integrated Platform Management System.
In February last year, GE Marine received a contract to supply gas turbine auxiliary equipment for the LM2500 engines integrated into the new P17A stealth frigates.
In May, GRSE received a contract worth Rs63.11bn ($901.46m) to construct eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts (ASWSWCs) for the Indian Navy.
