SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Mazagon Docks Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), one of India’s premier shipyards, has confirmed plans to manufacture six advanced German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) U-214NG submarines in its drydock. This development follows the recent approval from the Indian Ministry of Defence, highlighting a significant expansion in India’s naval capabilities.
In a remarkable display of confidence in its infrastructure and expertise, MDL has also announced that it will not require further expansion to accommodate this project, as it already possesses the capacity to construct up to 11 submarines simultaneously. This capacity includes not only the construction of new vessels but also the refitting of existing Scorpène class submarines, which are due for upgrades with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems.
MDL’s immediate future is set to be bustling with activity as it gears up to commence construction on nine submarines in 2025. This includes both the TKMS U-214NG submarines and three additional enhanced Scorpène class submarines. The latter project is expected to benefit from MDL’s existing tooling for the development of the enhanced Scorpène class, potentially allowing for a quicker start and progression compared to the U-214NG project.
The contract stipulates that the TKMS submarines must be delivered within seven years, setting a completion target for 2032. Interestingly, this timeline aligns closely with the expected sea trials completion of the first of the three additional enhanced Scorpène submarines, showcasing MDL’s strategic planning and operational efficiency.
Beyond these commitments, MDL has expressed its ambition to lead India’s next major naval project, Project-76. As the lead shipyard, MDL is keen to leverage its current successes and infrastructure to contribute significantly to this future endeavour.
The strategic partnership with TKMS for the U-214NG submarines is not just a testament to MDL’s capabilities but also marks a deepening of Indo-German naval cooperation. With significant local content expected in the construction process, this project aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, boosting local manufacturing and technology transfer.
The construction of these submarines will not only enhance the Indian Navy’s underwater combat capabilities but also reinforce MDL’s position as a key player in global shipbuilding. The simultaneous management of multiple complex projects underlines MDL’s robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and strategic foresight in naval architecture and engineering.
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