Missing the Boat

THE DELIVERY OF INS SHANKUL in 1994, the second submarine built at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), effectively marked the end of the scandal-hit HDW (Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft) programme. An attempt was made in the late 1990s to use the “option clause” to build two more submarines of this successful design but in vain. Meanwhile, South Korea and China embarked on their programmes in collaboration with Germany and Russia, respectively. Both countries have since developed their own designs and have a robust building programme.

India’s 30-year submarine construction programme, officially titled, ‘National Competence in Submarine Building’, was aimed at creating indigenous designs and build capability