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The Indian Navy has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to Indian shipyards for five “midget” submarines for the purpose of conducting special underwater operations in high seas and enemy harbours. These five “midget” submarines are being acquired for the Marine Commandos (MARCOS).
Defence Ministry sources revealed that the RFP for these “midget” submarines have been sent to Hindustan Shipyards Limited, ABG and Pipavav Shipyards amongst others. “Midget” Submarines weigh less than 150 tonnes and are used by the Navies to carry out underwater covert operations and surveillance missions.
With a capacity of carrying four to six personnel on board, the submarines would have a diving depth around 400 meters, they added. These “midget” submarines will have the capability of carrying out both manned and unmanned operations and will be equipped with a host of weapons including torpedoes.
Due to their faster speed and smaller size, midgets are able to escape the enemy Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR) probes making them useful in carrying out covert operations and help troops to enter into hostile territory without being noticed.
These submarines would be capable of being launched independently or being attached with larger mother submarines. “Midget” submarines can be taken close to far-off enemy areas by attaching them with conventional submarines and can be launched once they are close to the area of operation. They can also be deployed along the coastal areas to keep a check on the suspicious activities close to the shores.
Last month, the Indian Navy also sent bids to two Indian firms, the private Larsen & Toubro and state-owned Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) under which the four submarines will be built in two phases, with each vehicle to cost about $80 million. These vehicles are intended for commando and underwater operations in enemy territory and are being bought as part of the service’s new doctrine to equip the fleet for littoral warfare, Indian Navy officials said.
The vehicles’ main functions will be to transport divers and their gear from the mother craft to attack targets like a ship riding at anchor and coastal and offshore installations. The special submarines also will conduct covert surveillance, attack operations in shallow enemy waters and help remove commandoes and divers from a pre-designated position after a mission.
The vehicles must be able to operate in tropical conditions and be carried by midget submarines. They need a minimum life of 20 years. The special vehicles should also be able to operate at a depth of 60 meters and transit at 150 meters, the Navy official said. The vehicle would be about nine meters long, be no higher than 1.5 meters and have a hull diameter of around 1.5 meters. The special vehicle will carry armaments, including up to 250 kilograms of explosive charges. After delivery of the special vehicles is completed in five years, all Indian submarines will carry them, Indian Navy officials added.
The Indian Navy currently operates about sixteen submarines, including four German-designed subs, ten Russian Sindhugosh-class Type 877EMs, armed with Klub cruise missiles, and two Foxtrot subs.MDL also has been contracted to license-produce six French Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy.
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