The---1--- on Monday delivered the third Scorpène-class submarine to the navy after two years of sea trials. The submarine was launched in January 2018 for sea trials and will be commissioned as—2----.

The Scorpène class submarines are one of the most advanced conventional submarines in the world. The submarine has superior stealth features, such as advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels and ability to attack with precision-guided weapons on board.

The Indian Navy intends to use the submarines for missions such as area surveillance, intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and mine laying operations. The submarines are armed with six torpedo-launching tubes, 18 heavy weapons, tube-launched MBDA SM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles and precision-guided weapons. It can launch crippling attacks on surface and underwater enemy targets.

Moreover, the attack submarines can travel at a maximum submerged speed of approximately 20 knots and have the ability to remain submerged for 21 days. It has a diving depth of more than 350m. The Scorpène class of submarines were designed by French naval shipbuilding firm DCNS in partnership with Spanish shipbuilding firm Navantia.

---2--has been equipped with the best sensors in the world and is fitted with an integrated platform management system to provide centralised propulsion and machinery control. The powerful diesel engines can quickly charge batteries for a stealthy mission profile. Also, its modular construction enables up-gradation to air independent propulsion in future. She is fitted with a permanent magnetic synchronous motor, making it one of the quietest submarines in the world.

Commanding Officer Captain Gaurav Mehta, who has served over 20 years in the navy, had said, “We can proudly say that –2--is the first truly indigenous submarine. It encapsulates the spirit of ‘Make in India’—2-- is like a child to us who we have seen growing into a war weapon.”

Project 75I, under this project of the Indian Navy, six latest-generation attack submarines is being built. They are expected to be completed by 2022. The project is taking shape at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai.

Naval Group is among the five Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) shortlisted for the Navy’s project that was processed through the Strategic Partnership (SP) model of defence procurement. MDL and Larsen & Toubro are the two Indian companies shortlisted under it.