- Even as the Scorpene submarine project, which France cites as a unique example of its successful collaboration with India, is behind schedule, Direction des Constructions Navales (DCN) Shipyard hopes to take part in the future programmes of the Indian Navy.
- Project 75 to build six Scorpene submarines by the Mazagoan Docks Limited, along with the DCNS, got the go-ahead in 2005.
- The project also provides for transfer of technology. But the schedule for the delivery of the first submarine was pushed back by nearly three years, from December 2012.
- The DCNS' bid assumes significance with President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit to India.
- Though no agreements for the purchase of defence items, including the upgrade of Mirage 2000, is on the cards, the number of business leaders who accompany Mr. Sarkozy, including defence industry representatives, highlights one of the focus areas of France.
Besides transferring the technical data package, DCNS was working with the MDL to establish a group of suppliers for indigenisation of P75. It also hoped to be part of the next line of six submarines to be built under P75I, which the government cleared this year. While two will be built at overseas yards, three will be made in India. Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), which was handed over to the Defence Ministry this year, will build one, entering a new area, as thus far it has been only into repairing submarines.
The DCNS hopes to get a look-in, having responded to the Request for Information. Sources in the Navy said the Request for Proposal could be ready by the next few months.
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