India and France to focus on Rafale deal, more defence projects in pipeline during François Hollande’s visit

NEW DELHI: While much attention has been on the mega Rafale fighter aircraft contract, India and France are likely to focus on several defence projects during French President François Hollande’s visit for the Republic Day celebrations, including the possibility of extending the Scorpene submarine line with additional orders.

The first of the six Scorpene submarines, under construction at the Mazgaon Dock Ltd (MDL) in Mumbai in partnership with French group DCNS, is set to enter service in October and the navy is seriously considering a plan to enhance the order by another two.

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Besides, discussions on a point defence missile system to be developed jointly are also likely to progress. Officials from India and France have told ET that a proposal to keep the MDL line running beyond 2020 – when the last of the current six on order is delivered – is a distinct possibility given the underwater fleet requirements of the Indian Navy.

“We may look at an addition of two more submarines, but with an enhanced capability of staying underwater for longer. This would also help retain the skilled manpower that MDL has raised over the years by working on the Scorpene submarines,” a senior Navy officer told ET.

The Indian Navy is looking at an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, which would increase underwater endurance, for the additional submarines.

Work on an Indian AIP is underway with the system being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). A land prototype of the AIP is currently being constructed by L&T and if successful, would be considered for an enhanced Scorpene order. “The land-based AIP is being built on the specifications of the Scorpene submarine. It may however not be ready on time for the initial six boats, but can be fitted to additional boats if ordered,” an official familiar with the AIP project said.