RFI
India deploys another French submarine, adding teeth to its warship fleet
Sun., November 28, 2021, 12:05 a.m.�3 min read
India has put into commission its fourth French submarine � built locally in Mumbai � shortly after adding a separate stealth warship to its navy. The move comes as the country asserts itself in the Indian Ocean, where Western powers also hope to counter China�s influence.
Deployed this week, INS Vela is part of a contract worth 2.6 billion euros for six diesel-powered Scorpene submarines jointly built with French military contractor the Naval Group, formerly DCNS.
Its deployment comes as border tensions with China threaten to spill into the Indian Ocean where last month India, Australia, Japan and the US, dubbed Quad, staged the second leg of their naval exercises.
Indian navy chief Karambir Singh said INS Vela was fully fitted for modern combat.
�Given today's dynamic and complex security situation, its capability and firepower will play a crucial role in enhancing navy's ability to protect India's maritime interests," admiral Singh added.
Vela joined India�s 130-ship navy four days after it inducted a 7,400-ton stealth destroyer billed as one of India�s most potent warships built entirely locally.
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