India-France-Germany Scorpene Submarine Deal: India has taken a big decision to become a superpower of the sea. The government is likely to finalize two deals worth more than one lakh crore rupees to buy 9 submarines by the middle of next year, sources have said. This deal will gradually increase the power of the Indian Navy and help it deal with the increasing maritime activities of countries like China-Pakistan.
Deal with France to buy three submarines
The first deal is with France, in which talks are underway to buy three Scorpene submarines. These submarines will be built jointly by the government company Mazgaon Dock Limited (MDL) and the French defense company Naval Group. The Ministry of Defense had approved this deal worth about 36000 crore rupees two years ago, but due to various reasons, there was a delay in finalizing the deal.
Deal with Germany to buy six stealth submarines
India's second major plan is under Project-75 India (P-75I), which involves the purchase of six diesel-electric stealth submarines. For this deal worth about Rs 65,000 crore, a partnership has been formed with German shipbuilding company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). These submarines will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and will be able to attack the enemy by staying underwater for a long time. This project is considered one of the biggest projects under the 'Make in India' initiative.
Deal to buy 26 Rafales at a cost of Rs 64,000 crore
The Indian Navy currently has old submarines in its fleet, so the Navy wants to complete both the deals quickly. Once these deals are finalised, the delivery of the submarines is expected to take place about six years after the signing of the agreement. The Defence Ministry had given in-principle approval to buy additional Scorpene submarines and 26 Rafale Navy jets from France. However, the Scorpene submarine project is still on hold. On the other hand, India and France had signed an agreement in April. Under this agreement, a major deal was signed to buy 26 Rafale Navy jets at a cost of Rs 64,000 crore. These aircraft will be deployed on the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
