MDL carrying out life extension and up gradation of Shalki class subs
Seeing the decline in its submarine fleet and the keel for indigenous submarine not yet laid, Navy had put in a plan.
As per a MoU in 2018 four out of seven of the Russian built Kilo Class submarines were to be sent to Russia one by one, for Refit and up gradation. This would extend their life by 10 years. The first three are already back.
Now Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (KTMS), the Germany-based leading naval company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian defence PSU Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for the overhaul and modernisation of submarine INS Shankush and two of its sister submarines to extend their operational life and capability.
The Indian Navy will thus get life extension for seven submarines to fill the void in required strength of submarines of which ideally we need 48 diesel electric submarines for operational service with the three Naval Commands and the tri Service Andaman Command.
Another three diesel electric submarines should ideally be with the Submarine School INS SATVAHNA for basic and advanced training including tactical handling.
The Ministry of Defence had signed a ₹2,725-crore contract with Mumbai-based MDL for the Medium Refit with Life Certification (MRLC) of INS Shankush, a HDW-class submarine, to extend its life. The first submarine in this class is undergoing MRLC and is likely to be back on sail by August.
Over the next three years, INS Shankush will be modernised in close partnership with the state-owned shipyard MDL. While Thyssenkrupp will be responsible for supplying material packages of selected systems, equipment and components as well as for on-site technical support and pressure hull inspection, MDL will act as general contractor up till on-time delivery of the submarine, the German naval company stated. As per the MoD, INS Shankush, will be delivered to Navy after MRLC in 2026.
“With the Medium Refit Cum Life Certification (MRLC) of the first boat INS SHISHUMAR signed in 2018, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders had already extended the service life of one of the four Indian submarines for another ten years.
The modernization of INS SHISHUMAR will be completed after sea trials this year,” announced TMS. In June this year, Thyssenkrupp and Mazagon has also concluded a MoU for the local construction of submarines for the Indian Navy.
Now Indian MoD needs to act fast and order Mazgaon to build 3 x new scorpion class and ask the French to build three more as Make in India with L&T.
Similarly Russians be asked to build two of the latest Kilo Class. Meanwhile the indigenous project must get launched with help of either the Germans or the French at both Mazgaon and Goa shipyard.
So if all other plans get fulfilled then in 2030 the India Navy should be having the following submarine line up :
4 x Upgraded Kilo Class
3 x Upgraded HDW class
6 x New scorpion class
6 x Addl scorpion class
2 x New Kilo Class
3 x indigenous
Nuclear submarines will be in addition.
