Rs 45,000 cr Submarine Project: MDL and L&T get a go ahead

New Delhi: Finally the defence ministry has raised the curtain over Rs 45,000 cr submarine manufacturing project and as reported by Defence Watch, the Ministry of Defence has given a green signal to two Indian manufacturers, Mazagaon Dock shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and private sector manufacturer Larsen and Toubro.

Adani Defence and Aerospace had made a surprise entry into the bidders' list for the submarine project at the last moment for this contest-referred to as P 75I- despite having no experience at all in the submarine manufacturing. The bid was with the state-owned Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL). The ministry rejected their bid on the grounds that clearances were not in place for the formulation of the joint venture that responded to the expression of interest.

Adani Defence and Aerospace had made a surprise entry into the bidders' list for the submarine project  at the last moment for this contest-referred to as P 75I- despite having no experience at all in the submarine manufacturing. The bid was with the state-owned Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)

Last week the business daily Economic Times had reported that a tussle has erupted between the Ministry of Defence and Indian Navy over the participation of Adani in the shape of a joint bid. Indian Navy has shortlisted MDSL and Larsen and Toubro as the final contenders while did not consider Adani Defence and Defence PSU Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) as the administrative permissions are not in place for the joint venture.

Now MDL and L&T will collaborate with foreign partners to design and develop at least six advance conventionally powered submarines

In the meeting held on Tuesday, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has selected the two Indian companies and five foreign technology partners and all five foreign technology collaborators who applied to take part in the competition. Now MDL and L&T will collaborate with foreign partners to design and develop at least six advance conventionally powered submarines. These submarines will have Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology to give them the ability to stay underwater for longer durations, which is weeks in their case.