Mumbai: The Indian Navy launched its fourth Scorpene class submarine “Vela” at Mazagaon docks Monday. The submarine was towed to Mumbai Port Trust, for separation from the pontoon for undertaking rigorous trials and tests at the harbour and at sea before its delivery to the Indian Navy.
Eight warships and five submarines (subs) were being constructed by Mazagaon Docks Limited (MDL) currently, the Navy said. The contract for construction and transfer-of-technology of six Scorpene-class submarines in series was in collaboration with the Naval Group (formerly DCNS) of France.
Rakesh Anand, chairman and managing director, MDL, said, “The launch of the P15 B Destroyer ‘Imphal’ on April 20, 2019 and of Vela were some of the major events for MDL this year. Presently, eight warships and five submarines are under construction at MDL.”
The Scorpene class of submarines can undertake multifarious tasks including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. The transfer of technology involves appropriate technical support by Naval Group to MDL in construction, integration and tests of the submarines in India. This is being achieved through the transfer of technical data package to MDL through an information system, and on-the-job training to MDL personnel on critical technologies, the officials said. Leveraging the experience and transfer-of-technology of the Scorpene project, with enhanced and upgraded infrastructure, MDL is ready for undertaking the construction of future submarines.
