Navy: MDL completes important submarine test worth Rs 60 thousand crore, another step towards modernization
Indian Navy: State-owned Mazagon Dockyards Limited (MDL) has successfully completed important tests in the submarine construction plan costing Rs 60 thousand crore.
It is the modernization of its traditional submarine fleet that the Indian Navy is after. This year, the Navy floated a tender to build six state-of-the-art submarines in the country at an approximate cost of Rs 60 thousand crore. Testing was started for the construction of these submarines. State-owned Mazagon Dockyards Limited has successfully completed important tests in the submarine construction plan; hence, it has taken the lead in this field.
It had tested for the construction of six advanced submarines, which were to be equipped with 'Air Independent Propulsion Systems.' The AIP system helps the boats to remain under water for a period of about two weeks continuously without requiring them to surface again and again within short regular intervals for charging the battery.
Defense sources said MDL and Larsen & Toubro are the two contenders in the project, while German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Spanish Navantia are their partners. Defense sources said MDL was informed by an Indian Navy Commodore rank officer (equivalent to Brigadier in the Army) that they are eligible for the tests.
