Mumbai: Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar Monday witnessed the undocking of the first of six Scorpene class submarines being built at Mazgaon Doct Ltd (MDL) under Project 75. The submarine is due for induction in September 2016.

The diesel-electric powered Scorpene submarine to be called INS Kalavari after commissioning will undergo extensive sea trials before it can join the Indian Navy.

India is building the six Scorpene submarines with the help of French firm DCNS at MDL. Though the first Scorpene submarine was scheduled to be handed over in 2012, the date has been extended to September 2016. Even though the project has overshot its budget, Parrikar said, “One Scorpene submarine will be delivered every nine months.”

Presently, the Indian Navy operates only 14 conventional diesel-electric submarines. Ten of them are ageing Russian Kilo class and four are German HDW class submarines.

Reviewing the functioning of the premier defence shipyard, the minister said the previous UPA government did not take defence projects seriously unlike the present Modi government which was serious on defence matters.

During his visit to the city, Parrikar visited the headquarters of the Western Naval Command (WNC) where he was received by Admiral R K Dhowan, Chief of the Naval Staff and Vice Admiral S.P. S Cheema, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, WNC. He was apprised of the operational responsibilities of the command and challenges faced by the Indian Navy in its area of responsibility.

The minister was also apprised about the operational readiness of the command, morale and welfare issues.

The minister was also briefed on the progress on coastal security on the west coast. Action taken to improve synergy and coordination between various stake holders involved in coastal security were also highlighted to the minister.

Later in the day, Parrikar visited INS Sindhukesari (EKM submarine) in the harbour for a first-hand experience of an operational submarine. He was briefed on the operating environment in submarines and also interacted with crew members of the submarine. He then visited aircraft carrier INS Viraat, where he was briefed about the ship and development plans of the Naval Dockyard in the city.

Parrikar had earlier embarked INS Vikramditya at sea in mid-February 2015 during the Navy’s annual exercise TROPEX where he saw several successful weapon firings by ships of the Western Fleet.