Mazagon Docks delivers fourth Scorpene class submarine `Vela’
06 May 2019
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Vela, the fourth Scorpene class submarine constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for the Indian Navy, was launched today, giving an impetus to in the ‘Make In India’ programme, which is being actively implemented by the government.
Launching the fourth submarine built under French collaboration, MDL, a unit of the Department of Defence Production (MoD), said the submarine, which was towed to Mumbai Port Trust, for separation from the pontoon, will undergo rigorous trials and tests, both in harbour and at sea before delivery to the Indian Navy.
The contract for the construction and transfer-of-technology for six Scorpene class submarines in series, has Naval Group (formerly DCNS) of France as ‘collaborator’ and are being built by MDL.
Cmde Rakesh Anand, chairman and managing director, MDL said on the occasion that with the launching of the P15 B Destroyer ‘Imphal’ on 20 April 2019 and the, launching of Vela on 6 May 2019, were indeed some of the major events for MDL so far this year.
At present, eight warships and five submarines are under construction at MDL. MDL is one of India’s leading shipyards with a capacity to meet requirements of the Indian Navy.
The Scorpene class of submarines can undertake multifarious tasks typically undertaken by any modern submarine, which include anti-surface as well as anti-submarine warfare. The transfer of technology involves appropriate technical support by Naval Group to MDL in the field of construction, integration and tests of the submarines in India which is achieved through transfer of technical data package to MDL through information system as well as on job training to MDL’s personnel on critical technologies.
Leveraging the experience and the transfer-of-technology of the Scorpene project, with enhanced and upgraded infrastructure, MDL, is ready for undertaking construction of the future submarines, MDL stated in a release.
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