India and France have confirmed progress on manufacturing three additional French-designed Scorpene-class 'hunter-killer' submarines in Mumbai, in a big boost to the Indian Navy. A joint statement released Wednesday highlighted the development, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Marseille.
The confirmation adds to India's existing fleet of six Scorpene submarines, including INS Vagsheer, the latest addition commissioned by PM Modi last month.
Both leaders also praised ongoing Indo-French military cooperation under the Defence Industrial Roadmap and lauded the successful collaboration in building Scorpene submarines in India.
The project has also seen indigenous technological advancements, particularly the integration of the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system into the P75 submarines.
AIP technology enhances the capabilities of these conventional diesel-electric submarines, allowing them to stay submerged for extended durations while reducing vulnerability to detection.
In addition to naval advancements, both sides welcomed discussions on joint efforts in missile systems, helicopter and jet engine manufacturing. Prime Minister Modi also urged France to explore the acquisition of the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher, calling its potential purchase "another milestone in Indo-French defence ties".
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