Material Procurement Delays Led to Indian Submarine Manufacture Falling Behind Schedule

Difficulties faced by Mazgaon Docks Limited (MDL) in sourcing material from foreign vendors is mainly responsible for the delay in the production of the Scorpene submarine for the Indian Navy.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar in a written reply to Dr. Chandan Mitra in Rajya Sabha today.

The original schedule of delivery of the first submarine was December, 2012 which has since been revised.

The builder shipyard has a contract with DCNS, France for construction of Scorpene Submarines. M/s DCNS deputes its personnel  and consultant to guide the construction of the submarines as per the collaboration agreement.

The shipyard has undertaken augmentation of the manpower, infrastructure and industrial means in a phased manner to meet the production targets. Production capabilities have also been augmented.