Indian MoD to address sinking submarine fleet concerns today

The defence ministry is neither known for its fast decision-making, nor the ability to formulate long-term strategic plans. But there is some hope the already long-delayed Rs 30,000 crore programme for the second line of submarines will finally take concrete shape now.

Sources say the Defence Acquisitions Council, chaired by defence minister A K Antony, will meet on Tuesday to discuss Project-75I for the six new submarines, amid concerns that any further delay in its finalisation will leave India with gaping holes in its underwater combat capabilities in the years ahead.

The Navy has already been hit hard by the almost three-year delay in the ongoing Project-75 for French Scorpene submarines at Mazagon Docks, under which the six vessels were to roll out one per year from 2012 onwards, with price escalation pushing the total cost beyond Rs 20,000 crore, as was first reported by TOI.

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