Delay in Construction of Six Submarines

The original delivery schedule of the first submarine was December 2012 and remaining submarines were to be delivered with a gap of one year each. Consequent to the approval of Government for revision in cost and delivery schedule in 2010, the delivery of the first submarine has been revised to June, 2015 and that of the last (6th) submarine to September, 2018. The delay in construction of the submarines is attributable to initial teething problems in absorption of new technology, delay in augmentation of Industrial Infrastructure at M/s Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) and delay in procurement of some items by MDL due to their high cost as compared to the earlier indicated cost. Complexities of the issues involved have resulted in cost escalation.

Government constantly reviews the security environment and accordingly decides about induction of appropriate defence equipment / platforms including submarines and surface / air assets to ensure India's naval capabilities. The thrust areas for modernization include induction of Frigates, Destroyers, Fast Attack Craft, Submarines, Surveillance aircraft, Aircraft Carrier, etc.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri N. K. Singh in Rajya Sabha today.