Navy proceeds with Heavyweight Torpedo import and development

The Navy will transfer ahead to get new heavy weight torpedoes to strengthen its underwater fleet with the defence ministry contemplating a proposal to purchase a restricted amount from a international provider and approve a ‘Make in India’ plan for the bigger requirement.

Sources mentioned the proposal to amass Heavy Weight Torpedoes (HWT) is ready to be mentioned on the ministry shortly, with 48 of the weapons to be procured straight and an indigenous growth path for a considerably increased amount being mentioned.

The weapons are to be outfitted on India’s Kalvari (Scorpene) class of submarines which can be at the moment being constructed by Mazagaon Dockyard Ltd (MDL). India has a complete of six of those submarines on order and a further three of the identical class being at the moment negotiated. The extra submarines are more likely to be fitted with Air Impartial Propulsion (AIP) that provides the flexibility to remain underwater for a number of days at a stretch, including to its stealth assault traits. The mixed worth of the 2 proposals is more likely to exceed Rs 5000 crore and Defence Analysis and Growth Organisation (DRDO) might take a lead function on the indigenous challenge by roping in a personal associate.The Navy has been in search of to amass new HWTs for over a decade now, with preliminary plans to buy Black Shark torpedoes on supply by an Italian firm being cancelled after it was blacklisted within the wake of the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper rip-off.

The Navy had just lately revived the competitors and examined a German and a French torpedo for the requirement, with the French F21 popping out to be technically compliant and the bottom bidder. Nevertheless, the contract couldn’t attain the signing stage. A brand new competitors is now more likely to be carried out. Apart from France and Germany, Italy too may very well be within the fray this time.

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