First Scorpene submarine is ready for sea trials

Kalvari, the first of the Indian Navy's six Scorpene-class stealth submarines, was on Monday "undocked" here, paving the way for sea trials and eventual commissioning in September 2016.

The event was witnessed by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who warned that for future projects, there will be a penalty for delay and reward for early completion.

The six Scorpenes are being built by Mazagon Docks Ltd in collaboration with French firm DCNS. Christened 'Project 75', the Scorpenes have already seen a delay of almost 40 months. The first delivery was scheduled for 2012.

The Navy said the project had "now been brought on track and the delivery schedule for the successive submarines has been reduced".

Parrikar asked the defence public sector yards - MDL and Goa Shipyard - to double their production in the coming three years. "I have asked all the defence PSUs to double their production in the next three years," he said.

The minister also said as far as, P75(I) Project was concerned, private players could also be invited for a joint venture, which would help in early completion. P75(I) is the next project of the Navy, under which six submarines will be built in India.

He warned that if the project was not completed within the stipulated timeframe, the defaulting yard would have to pay a penalty. Early completion of the project, on the other hand, would be rewarded with a bonus, he said.