First Of Six Old Indian Subs Leave For Russia For A Refit And Life Extension

[Paranoid Android]

Indian Navy has begun the process of upgrading six of its oldest submarines with the first of them is en route Russia for major refit and life certification (MRLC) to extend its operational life by a decade.

INS Sindhukesari, a Kilo-class submarine commissioned in 1989, left India in early May and is scheduled to reach the Zvezdochka yard at Severodvinsk in Russia in two months, Navy sources were quoted as saying by the Hindu Wednesday.

“These submarines have completed over 25 years of service. It was decided to upgrade them in view of the delay in the induction of new submarines. The main aspect of the MRLC is that it will be certified by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM),” a senior Navy officer said.

In August 2014, the Defence Acquisition Council had accorded approval for sending six submarines for the MRLC — four Russian Kilo class and two German HDW class. The process is expected to cost over Rs. 1,000 crore (US $148 million) each. Two Kilo class submarines are to be sent to Russia, while two more would be upgraded in India by the Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Vizag. Both the HDW submarines are to be upgraded in India, one each by Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL) and the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.

“The upgradation plan might be revised based on the induction of Scorpene submarines as their schedules are being accelerated,” the official said.

The government had approved an ambitious “30-year submarine construction plan” in 1999 for building 24 conventional submarines under two different production lines.
But not a single submarine has been inducted till date and the first Scorpene submarine under Project-75, after repeated delays, has just begun sea trials and is expected to join the force in October this year, the news daily reported.

Incidentally, the Scorpenes will roll out without their major weapon, heavy weight torpedoes, which are caught up in allegations of corruption in other defence deals.
http://www.defenseworld.net/news/16...a_For_A_Refit_And_Life_Extension#.V0AWXGh97IU

 

[Syed Asif Bukhari]

what are upgrades ? does it include integration of AIP ? coz a modern conventional submarine without AIP is of little importance.

 

[shah1398]

If U can construct a nuclear submarine, upgrading these oldies at home shudnt be any problem at all.

 

[kaykay]

what are upgrades ? does it include integration of AIP ? coz a modern conventional submarine without AIP is of little importance.

Upgrades includes refurbishment of hull, new wiring and sonars, new weapon packages including anti ship cruise missiles. adding AIP to a 25 years old submarine doesn't make sense....

If U can construct a nuclear submarine, upgrading these oldies at home shudnt be any problem at all.

HSL can upgrade them at home as they have done in past but right now they are seriously busy with new line of SSBNs and SSNs.

PS: btw only first 2 will be upgraded in Russia....rest will be in India(HSL)