DCNS delivers Combat Managements Systems for two Scorpenes

(India Strategic) :  New Delhi. French shipbuilder DCNS has delivered two highly sophisticated Combat Managements Systems (CWS) for the first two Scorpene submarines being built in India.  DCNS India Managing Director Bernard Buisson told India Strategic that both the CWS had been delivered to Mazagon Docks Ltd., which was in the process of integrating the first one at present. There were about 20 to 25 French engineers assisting in technology transfer, and work at MDL was maturing to mutual satisfaction. The first Scorpene submarine, under the Indian Navy’s Project 75, will be launched end-2013, and commissioned in 2015. The second one would be a year later. Buisson said that MDL was actually doing some work regarding all the six submarines under the project, at different levels, and that all the six submarines would be delivered by 2018. MDL had built the hulls of first and second submarines, and begun work on the hulls of third and fourth submarines. Simultaneously, other systems were being tested and installed on them progressively. He said that DCNS has had technical discussions with the Indian Navy on installing Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems on board the last two submarines. There would be a cost, but the AIP would increase the submergence of the submarines by three to four times, thereby making them hidden and more lethal. The company was awaiting the vy’s response, as well as the Nav der for the new line of six or more end ubmarines under Project 75-I, all of which would be equipped with he AIP systems. DCNS had already esponded to the Indian Navy’s RFI n this regard. He said that DCNS’ AIP system Hs was based on the MESMA steam AIP used on board all the French uclear submarines – France as only nuclear powered subs and accordingly proven for technology. Asked about local participation in the Scorpene project, Buisson said that DCNS was also talking to private shipyards as per the new Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) and offset requirements. “We are also in the process of finalizing the selection of our industrial partners for indigenization of MPM (Mazagon Purchased Materials from other companies) items. MPM items includes pumps, valves, air conditioning equipments and various sub-systems.