Naval Procurements & Acquisitions: 02 April 2024

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 06 Jan 2025 20:10

With PM Modi expected to visit Paris in February, deals to buy Rafale fighter jets, Scorpene subs for Navy reach final stage
https://www.thehindu.com/news/morning-d ... 065922.ece
05 Jan 2025

PM invited to visit AI summit in France on February 10 and 11; deals worth over $10 billion; expected to be placed for approval before Cabinet Committee on Security in the next couple of weeks, sources say

Two large defence deals in the pipeline between India and France are being finalised, amid expectations that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Paris in February for the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit to be hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The deals, together worth over $10 billion, will include the purchase of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, and three additional Scorpene-class conventional submarines. The two deals are expected to be put before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for approval in the next couple of weeks, sources said.

“The expectation is that PM Modi will visit Paris to attend the AI Summit and will also have a bilateral component. So both sides are working to tie up the two deals which are in the final stages of conclusion,” an informed source said. This was also independently confirmed by other sources. The French President’s office has already announced that Mr. Modi has been invited for the Artificial Intelligence Summit scheduled to be held on February 10 and 11. France said the gathering will focus on concrete actions to ensure that the global AI sector can drive beneficial social, economic and environmental outcomes in the public interest.

Final Stage

In response to a question from The Hindu at his annual press conference last month, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi said that both the deals are in the final stage and could be completed next month. “It is just a matter of completing the formalities of the acquisition process and we expect that if not this month, next month, hopefully, this [Scorpene submarine] and the Rafale-M deal should be signed,” he had said. On the Rafale-M deal, the Navy chief had said it was “one level short of taking it to the CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security)” for clearance, which will be followed by the signing of the contract. As it is a government-to-government deal, it is expected to be implemented quickly.

The deal for three Scorpene submarines is a repeat order to the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, which is building them in partnership with the Naval Group of France. Of the six submarines from the earlier contract, five have been inducted. The last one, Vagsheer, is set to be commissioned on January 15 at Mumbai, in the presence of Mr. Modi, along with two other frontline platforms. On July 13, 2023, as Mr. Modi was enroute to Paris, the Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accorded the Acceptance of Necessity for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighters and three additional Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines.

Critical for Naval Needs

The Rafale purchase includes 22 single seater Rafale-M jets and four twin-seater Rafale trainers, which are not carrier compatible. The 26 jets are meant to fill a critical gap until the indigenous twin engine deck-based fighter, still under development, is ready to be inducted into service. The Navy currently operates two aircraft carriers: INS Vikramaditya procured from Russia, and the indigenously built INS Vikrant which was commissioned in September 2022. The additional Scorpenes are a critical requirement for the Navy as it grapples with with an aging fleet and the huge delay in the procurement of six advanced submarines under Project-75I which is now awaiting a final decision between Germany and Spain.

As reported by The Hindu earlier, the first of three Scorpene submarines is likely to be delivered in 2031. Last month, the Defence Ministry signed two contracts worth ₹2,867 crore related to the existing Scorpene Class submarines. One is for the construction and onboard integration of an air independent propulsion module developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, while the second is for the integration of an electronic heavyweight torpedo also being developed by the DRDO.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 07 Jan 2025 13:22

Great news.
This effectively will give India 36+26= 62 Rafales.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 13 Jan 2025 22:25

https://x.com/rajatpTOI/status/1878631346362573125 ---> India plans to ink at least 4 mega defence deals for 26 Rafale marine fighters, 3 Scorpene submarines, 156 Prachand light combat helicopters and 307 towed artillery guns ATAGS, collectively worth over Rs 1.5 lakh crore, before this fiscal ends on March 31.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GhI9P4takAA ... name=large

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 13 Jan 2025 22:27

https://x.com/Ray70409890/status/1878683718837322000 ---> The third ship in P17A class, INS Taragiri. MFSTAR antenna arrays have already been installed. Will be commissioned early next year.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 14 Jan 2025 21:10

L&T Launches Multi-Purpose Vessel ‘Utkarsh’ For Indian Navy
https://bharatshakti.in/lt-launches-mul ... dian-navy/
14 January 2025

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 16 Jan 2025 20:07

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1879797785106805033 ---> MoD signs Rs 2,960 crore contract with BDL for Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles for Indian Navy. The MRSAM system is a standard fit, onboard multiple Indian Naval Ships and is planned to be fitted on the majority of the future platforms planned for acquisition.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 16 Jan 2025 20:10

National Security: MDL - Building Warships & Beyond | 12 January 2025

Mazagon Dock - A Leader in Shipbuilding. It builds maritime capability to strengthen national security and help the nation sail through new economic heights. Mazagon Dock grew rapidly to become the premier war-shipbuilding yard in India, producing warships for the Navy and offshore structures for the Bombay High. It has grown from a single unit, small ship repair company, into a multi-unit and multi-product company, with significant rise in production, use of modern technology and sophistication of products. The company's current portfolio of designs spans a wide range of products for both domestic and overseas clients. Since 1960, MDL has built total 804 vessels including 30 warships, from advanced destroyers to missile boats and 7 submarines. MDL had also delivered cargo ships, passenger ships, supply vessels, multipurpose support vessel, water tankers, tugs, dredgers, fishing trawlers, barges & border out posts for various customers in India as well as abroad. MDL have also fabricated and delivered jackets, main decks of wellhead platforms, process platforms, jack-up rigs etc.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 17 Jan 2025 20:09

Just imagine if India replicated this across the board with Tejas, ATAGS, Arjun, MGS, LUH, Prachand, etc.

Just imagine if India replicated this with hundreds (if not thousands) of SAAW, Astra variants and other weaponry.

https://x.com/akki_bauer22_/status/1880070219508637839 ---> Aaj ka whitepill

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 17 Jan 2025 21:02

Rakesh wrote: ↑17 Jan 2025 20:09 Just imagine if India replicated this across the board with Tejas, ATAGS, Arjun, MGS, LUH, Prachand, etc.

Just imagine if India replicated this with hundreds (if not thousands) of SAAW, Astra variants and other weaponry.

Below is the power of manufacturing. Nothing else comes close. One of the main reasons why India needs to go *ALL IN* on local maal and that too in mass numbers. No point crowing about 36 Rafales or 114 MRFA, if your foundation is weak. Rather than get your chaddis in a twist when the services are accused of being import pasand, introspect and do what is right for the country and not for your self-inflated ego.

https://x.com/BRICSinfo/status/1880079584454144326 ---> China's economy grew 5% in 2024, achieving Beijing's target.

https://x.com/iAsura_/status/1880183559186751945 ---> $18.3 trillion economy grew at 5% in spite of an all out sabotage and sanctions by West!! That's the power of manufacturing. Services centric economies could be shut down in 3 months, if West wishes to do so.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 23 Jan 2025 05:03

Shiv Aroor of Livefist reporting that deal for 26 Rafales for the Indian Navy will be signed anytime soon.

https://x.com/livefist/status/1882137308717257113 ---> Any time now.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 04 Feb 2025 21:37

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1886758072267526148 ---> MoD inked a contract with Russia for the procurement of Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (ASCM). These missiles will significantly augment the combat capabilities of Indian Navy's submarine fleet i.e. Klub missiles for the Sindhughosh (Kilo) Class.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 06 Feb 2025 22:00

Indian Navy Signs Rs 2,960 Cr Deal for MRSAM Missiles with Bharat Dynamics Limited
https://www.financialexpress.com/busine ... d-3716929/
16 Jan 2025

Indian Navy secures Rs 2,960 crore deal for MRSAM missiles, marking a critical leap in enhancing its naval defence and operational capabilities.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 06 Feb 2025 22:07

https://x.com/aoiventures/status/1887359587613089988 ---> Rolls-Royce and Triveni Engineering have inked an MoU to explore collaboration on 4MW marine gas turbine generators for India’s naval defence. This partnership aims to bring advanced tech, local manufacturing, and end-to-end support to power the Indian Navy’s future fleet.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 11 Feb 2025 21:35

India finalises deal of over Rs 36,000 cr for additional 3 Scorpene submarines
https://theprint.in/defence/india-final ... s/2486465/
09 Feb 2025

https://x.com/livefist/status/1888671745000800732 ----> Stupefying price-tag for 3 measly diesel-electric submarines. Wondering how many modded Arihant SSGNs/new SSNs we’d be able to build with that sum. @SandeepUnnithan definitely has thoughts on this.

https://x.com/SandeepUnnithan/status/18 ... 0905648624 ---> Stupefying indeed. Rs 36,000 crore will buy you a new batch of three 6,000 ton Arihant Class SSGNs, each with 12 VLS cells for Brahmos/Nirbhay/LRAsHM and the ultimate AIP - a nuclear reactor. Overall indigenous component upwards of 90% (as achieved by S4*).

https://x.com/AjayshreeSamby3/status/18 ... 2445666724 ---> Imagine how Mazgaon Docks and their German partners are planning to rip apart the MOD in P-75I due to a single vendor situation. They still have time. Call L&T too.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 11 Feb 2025 21:39

Please drag and drop these pictures into a new browser window for full size.

https://x.com/sneheshphilip/status/1888519090723279338 ---> India finalises deal of over Rs 36,000 crore for additional three Scorpene submarines. Will be inked with MDL in India this fiscal. The new subs will be slightly bigger than the previous six and close to what the Brazilians are getting.

https://x.com/Aditya_G_Social/status/18 ... 6822793237 ---> Comparison of Brazilian Scorpenes vs Kalvari Class. The follow on order of 3 Scorpenes does not cater to AIP and given that the design is already longer, it is doubtful that AIP will be plugged in later on.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 14 Feb 2025 06:19

uddu wrote: ↑06 Feb 2025 14:40
maitya wrote: ↑06 Feb 2025 11:42 But but, before that, whatever happened to the project for retrofitting of the existing 6 Kalvari class with DRDO AIP as a part of the their mid-life refits? Looks like this has been quietly dropped ...
If these worthies are not able to negotiate something as simple as that, not sure what good is this bunch for ... and tasking them to negotiate a whole new program like P-76 etc, is like
The refit of INS Kalvari is going to happen in 2026. So the retrofit is planned during that time.

https://x.com/hukum2082/status/1890064515439755676 ---> Updates on the Scorpene with NMRL- @Thermaxglobal - @larsentoubro

PAFC :-

1. Order placed for 1 x PAFC Unit by @MazagonDockLtd.

2. INS Kalavari goes into NR (Nominal Refit) somewhere in 2026.

3. NR initially planned for 24 months but may take up to 36 months if integration challenges crop up.

4. @navalgroup is providing integration consultancy during the NR process and the length of the submarine will increase by 7 metres.

5. The existing vessels will be fitted with the PAFC AIP as per their individual NR schedules.

6. The 3 new Scorpenes built by MDL will be stretch versions from the outset and will be equipped by the same PAFC AIP.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 17 Feb 2025 22:09

VIDEO: https://x.com/livefist/status/1879787712611557660 ---> JUST IN: Indian MoD inks ₹2,960 crore contract with @bharat_dynamics for Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) for the @IndianNavy

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 20 Feb 2025 22:14

https://x.com/livefist/status/1892591142748786737 ---> Steel cutting ceremony today of the 3rd of five 40,000 ton Fleet Support Ships (FSS) at @LarsenToubro, Kattupalli. Three being built at HSL, two at L&T.

Ankit Desai · Post by **Ankit Desai** » 23 Feb 2025 08:32

DRDO indigenous submarine proposal to go for CCS approval in couple of months; eight years for first sub

Design phase expected to take up to three years, with another five years for construction; project aiming for 90% to 95% indigenous content; contract negotiations to start soon for separate deal to buy six new subs

-Ankit

srai · Post by **srai** » 23 Feb 2025 09:29

^^^

So if the two programs (imported P75I and indigenous P76) are going to be running in parallel over the next 10-years, then how is it that P76 benefit from so-called ToT “learnings” of second foreign SSK

People in support of P75I have argued that India is not capable of designing its own SSK after license building 6 x P75 (and soon 3 more). And also after designing and building 4 x SSBN (and soon 6 x SSN).

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 25 Feb 2025 21:11

https://x.com/SandeepUnnithan/status/18 ... 6315531368 ---> The Manohar Parrikar conundrum in India’s submarine production. In this piece, I argue why India needs to scrap its Rs 1 lakh crore imported submarine buys (3 P-75 + 6 P-75I), double down on P-76 and learn from its Atmanirbhar N-sub line. Restart the Arihant line for a new line of SSGNs.

Make Indian Subs Great Again
https://www.news9live.com/india/make-in ... in-2825865
21 Feb 2025

Why India needs to scrap a Rs 1 lakh crore imported submarine buy and built on its Atmanirbhar N-sub line

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 25 Feb 2025 21:20

https://x.com/SandeepUnnithan/status/18 ... 0534470024 ---> Admiral Houston explains why submarines are the US Navy’s No 1 build priority. "They can go anywhere, any time, and hold an adversary at risk."

Amid Navy's demand for nuclear subs, recruitment efforts for shipbuilders begins in schools
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/navy-deman ... t-schools/
20 Feb 2025

=================================================================

https://x.com/SandeepUnnithan/status/18 ... 2235832476 ---> Only a matter of time before these ‘unannounced naval drills’ happen in the IOR…astride our SLOCs.

https://x.com/detresfa_/status/1892894717597405397 ---> Unannounced Chinese naval drills in the Tasman Sea, roughly 400 nautical miles off Sydney's coast, have reportedly disrupted air traffic in the region - this visual plots the incident area, along with known flight routes & air traffic in the region during the exercise today.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 25 Feb 2025 21:25

Replacement for RBU-6000?

https://x.com/Varun55484761/status/1892892827790823498 ---> The first trial of Pinaka naval variant is scheduled to take place later this year. The Naval version is designed for underwater operations and submarine countermeasures, with an impressive range of 75 km.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 26 Feb 2025 22:53

India's Submarine Dilemma: DRDO Proposes New Conventional Sub Amid Nuclear Push

India's DRDO proposes designing and building 12 conventional submarines under Project 76. This comes as the Indian Navy already has two ongoing submarine programs and is pursuing nuclear-powered submarines. The proposal raises questions about strategic priorities, resource allocation, and long-term naval planning. Experts debate the merits of investing in another conventional submarine line versus accelerating nuclear submarine development.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 05 Mar 2025 08:17

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1895481776048652309 ---> India’s last imported ship - Tamala - to be inducted in June.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 05 Mar 2025 22:48

MDL building four submarines without foreign overseeing teams speaks about success of tech transfer: French Naval Group
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/ge ... 228204750/
28 Feb 2025

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 18 Mar 2025 19:40

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1901141852310695961 ---> The Government of India is seeking to appoint a new officer to oversee coordination in the field of military shipbuilding. Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani is the frontrunner for this role. A native of Dehradun, he is widely regarded as the best candidate for the position. As the former Chief of Materiel in the Indian Navy, he played a key role in ensuring that all warships were built domestically rather than in foreign shipyards.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 18 Mar 2025 19:47

Two mega defence deals with France await clearance by Cabinet Committee on Security
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ ... 334328.ece
15 March 2025

The Navy is keen that the agreements for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three more Scorpene-class conventional submarines, worth a total of $11 billion, be inked this financial year.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 18 Mar 2025 19:52

https://x.com/OfficialGRSE/status/1901601367195807830 ---> GRSE completes Contractor Sea Trials of two warships simultaneously. In keeping with its commitment towards delivering top quality warships to the Navy and Coast Guard, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, successfully completed the Contractor Sea Trials (CSTs) of two platforms on March 3, 2025. Both of these are being built by GRSE for the Navy. The warships that completed their CSTs simultaneously are the Himgiri (Yard 3022) and Androth (Yard 3035). While the Himgiri is an Advanced Frigate, first in a series of three such platforms being built by GRSE under the Navy’s Project 17A, Androth is second in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs) under construction at the shipyard. A CST is considered the final stage of construction, when a vessel’s seaworthiness is tested. Several factors, such as speed, maneuverability, and the performance of on-board equipment are checked. In this case, senior officials from GRSE, Indian Navy and classification societies were on board both warships to monitor their performances. The CST for INS Arnala (Yard 3029) – first of the ASW SWCs – was also successfully completed recently and she will be delivered to the Navy shortly.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 24 Mar 2025 19:20

https://x.com/MazagonDockLtd/status/1901949041648497028 ---> The commencement of production plate cutting ceremony for the first Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for Scorpene Class submarines of Indian Navy was performed today at MDL in presence of Mr. Biju George, Chairman and Managing Director, who was accompanied by representatives from Indian Navy and other senior officials of MDL. With this event, MDL has commenced construction of the AIP plug which will be subsequently integrated in the P-75 submarine during the scheduled normal refits.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 24 Mar 2025 19:22

https://x.com/strategicfront/status/1902226783157854262 ---> Delivery status and target timelines of ships ordered by the Indian Navy.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 24 Mar 2025 19:25

Varunastra, Anti-Aircraft missiles and Brahmos cruise missiles on Defence Acquisition Council's Agenda Today
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/varu ... -119238711
20 March 2025

uddu · Post by **uddu** » 29 Mar 2025 11:38

Cross posting from UAV and drones thread
Sagar Defence: Innovating For India’s Naval Future || On The Shop Floor

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 22 May 2025 23:04

Why Garden Reach Shipbuilders shares rose 6% in early deals today
https://www.businesstoday.in/markets/st ... 2025-05-22
22 May 2025

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1925467740657106978 ---> So GRSE is L1 for construction of Next Generation Corvettes (NGC) for the Indian Navy. L1 bidder will be awarded five NGC ships at a likely value of over ₹25,000 crores.

A Sharma · Post by **A Sharma** » 24 May 2025 02:39

In a major boost to Indian Navy's firepower, indigenous Naval Surface Gun aces sea trials

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 24 May 2025 03:27

Rakesh wrote: ↑25 Feb 2025 21:11 https://x.com/SandeepUnnithan/status/18 ... 6315531368 ---> The Manohar Parrikar conundrum in India’s submarine production. In this piece, I argue why India needs to scrap its Rs 1 lakh crore imported submarine buys (3 P-75 + 6 P-75I), double down on P-76 and learn from its Atmanirbhar N-sub line. Restart the Arihant line for a new line of SSGNs.

Make Indian Subs Great Again
https://www.news9live.com/india/make-in ... in-2825865
21 Feb 2025

Why India needs to scrap a Rs 1 lakh crore imported submarine buy and built on its Atmanirbhar N-sub line

Quite fatuous for a reporter to advise the naval fleet planners with recommendations to upend their program plan which takes many factors to realize the goals.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 24 May 2025 03:30

Rakesh, Looks like it was a good thing we decided to start this thread when we did!

drnayar · Post by **drnayar** » 24 May 2025 03:40

Rakesh wrote: ↑18 Mar 2025 19:47 Two mega defence deals with France await clearance by Cabinet Committee on Security
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ ... 334328.ece
15 March 2025

The Navy is keen that the agreements for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three more Scorpene-class conventional submarines, worth a total of $11 billion, be inked this financial year.

Wasn't there a news regarding France refusing to share source codes of the Rafale for indigenous weapons integration?

pravula · Post by **pravula** » 24 May 2025 09:50

It has been that case since IAF ordered their copies. If you want a new weapon integrated, you will need to pay them to do it. Thats what the whole India Specific Enhancements were about (including IRST, which was a below the belt blow)

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 08 Jun 2025 02:19

India to commission the first ship of the Fast Shallow Water Craft, INS Arnala.

https://x.com/rajatpTOI/status/19311841 ... IUVEg&s=19

Note the displacement of 1490 tons!