India to acquire six submarines: Naval Chief

These six submarines would be in addition to the Scorpene submarines, which the Indian navy is expected to acquire soon. "In accordance with the plan to keep a certain number of submarines in the force, we will be acquiring six of one type (Scorpene) and six of another type," Mehta said at a press conference, marking the end of a two-day-long naval commanders' conference.

The development of Scorpene submarines had been delayed and it was now time to look for a second type of submarine, he said. Mehta said, "We need to have indigenous capability for building these submarines and Indian Navy has been a strong proponent of indigenous development. Therefore, we would expect that our shipyards take over the technology from some of these companies and thereafter build it themselves".

The submarines for which tenders would be floated could also have vertical missile launch capabilities, he added.

The Indian Navy's requirement was small and, therefore, it presently could obtain the submarines from abroad, the admiral said, adding the navy was also hopeful of obtaining nuclear powered submarines in the future.

"The nuclear powered submarines could be equipped either with nuclear or conventional weapons. The present nuclear submarine project was being developed by Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO)," he added.

The DRDO project would demonstrate the technology, Mehta said. The six additional submarines that the Indian navy would be looking to acquire would need to be equipped with technology for surface-to-surface missiles to cater to current requirements, the Chief said.

The Indian Navy presently has 16 submarines in its fleet and is reportedly looking to lease Akula class nuclear powered submarines from Russia.

The admiral also gave a clean chit to the only amphibious vessel in its fleet INS Jalashwa, where five sailors had died after a gas leak. "It was an unfortunate accident," Mehta said, adding that the Navy was constantly making efforts to ensure that such incidents did not take place.

"The ethos of helping one's colleague is very strong in the armed forces and that's what led to the incident," he said.

While one of the technical men were attempting to handle the gas leak, many of his colleagues had gone to help him which led to the multiple deaths, the admiral said.

The ship, which is in good condition, is to take part in the Varuna naval exercise being held off the eastern coast with ships of the French navy, Mehta said. "If there is a need for disaster management in Mynamar then it can be sent there as well," the admiral said.