Article Posted on : - Feb 07, 2014

The Scorpene submarine. A DCNS photo

NEW DELHI (BNS): French shipbuilder DCNS is showcasing a wide range of its state-of-the-art naval platforms and systems at Defexpo India being held at New Delhi.

The shipbuilder, contracted to build six Scorpene class attack submarines for the Indian Navy in partnership with Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Ltd under Transfer of Technology (ToT), is displaying the SSK at the defence show.

The Scorpene-class of SSKs represent the state-of-the-art in submarine design and construction and benefits from the latest technologies developed for nuclear-powered classes operated by the French Navy, particularly as regards acoustic discretion and combat system performance.

At Defexpo, the Scorpene is presented with its SUBTICS combat system which combines long-range capabilities in all navigation conditions with powerful weapons, including torpedoes, anti-ship missile, counter-measures, land-attack capability, and its optional MESMA air independent propulsion (AIP) section, the company said.

Also on display is the Barracuda class nuclear-powered attack submarine being built for the French Navy. The Barracuda is designed to undertake blue-water missions anywhere in the world; and to do so either alone or as part of a naval force. The first-of-class SSN Suffren is scheduled to start sea trials early 2016. Six Barracudas are set to replace the six Rubis/Améthyste-class boats currently in service with French Navy.

In the segment of surface warships, the company is exhibiting the advanced FREMM multi-role frigates, one of which was recently handed over to Morocco.

The FREMM family of frigates with technically advanced features is designed to counter threats emanating from air, sea or land. With a displacement of 6,000 tons and a length of 142 m, the vessel can cruise at a top speed of 27 knots.