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What is the News?
Defence Acquisition Council(DAC) headed by the Defence Minister has approved a Request For Proposal(RFP) for the construction of six conventional submarines under Project-75I.
About the Construction of Six Conventional Submarines:
- The six submarines under Project-75I will be built under the strategic partnership model.
- Strategic Partnership Model is a part of the Defence Procurement Procedure. The model envisages indigenous manufacturing of major defence platforms by an Indian strategic partner. Indian partner will collaborate with a foreign original equipment manufacturer(OEM) to set up production facilities in the country.
- Part of: The submarines are part of the 30-year submarine-building programme approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in 1999.
- Features: The submarines will be equipped with air-independent propulsion(AIP) systems that will enable the vessels to stay underwater for longer periods and enhance their combat capabilities.
- The first submarine built under the project is likely to be delivered by 2030.
- Two Indian companies shortlisted as strategic partners are Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Larsen & Toubro.
- The foreign manufacturers selected for the project are French Naval Group, German conglomerate Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Russia’s Rubin Design Bureau, Spain’s Navantia and South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Company.
- Significance of this Project-75I:
- This is the first project to be approved under the Strategic Partnership Model.
- This would be one of the largest ‘Make in India’ projects. It will create an industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in India.
- From a strategic perspective, Project-75I will help reduce current dependence on imports and gradually ensure greater self-reliance.
About Submarine:
- A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation underwater. It is the quietest military platform and extremely tough to detect.
- Their main cover is their ability to move stealthily underwater and keep an eye on the enemy movement of vessels.
Source: The Hindu
