March 14, 2002

'33'

ACQUISITION OF SOPHISTICATED SUBMARINES

    Government have approved a long-term perspective plan for indigenous construction of submarines and acquisition of national competence in submarine building. Requisite assistance in high technology areas from foreign sources is envisaged to achieve the desired objective. France is one of the likely sources from whom such assistance can become available. A final decision has, however, not yet been taken in this regard. In addition, some of the existing submarines are also in the process of being upgraded.

    This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri Ramshakal and Shri Ramdas Rupala Gavit in Lok Sabha today.