Build more Scorpene subs while waiting for Project 75-I: Rahul Shrawat

The construction of six Scorpene conventional submarines by Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL), Mumbai, under Project 75, is just 18-24 months from completion. French shipbuilder Naval Group (formerly DCNS), which has supplied the technology under a $3.25-billion order, is seeking a bigger role in India. This includes upgrading the six Scorpenes with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) and competing in the $5.5-billion global tender for building six more AIP submarines under Project 75-I. Rear Admiral (Retd) Rahul Shrawat, who heads Naval Group India, talks to Ajai Shukla about Naval Group’s ambitions. Excerpts:

What is the future of the Project 75 sub­ma­rine line