Article Posted on : - Aug 12, 2011

A file photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Six more submarines will be acquired by the Navy under Project-75(India) apart from nearly half a dozen such vessels which are under construction under an earlier programme, Defence Minister A K Antony said.

"To increase the submarine fleet of Indian Navy, a programme for construction of six submarines is currently underway at Mazagaon Docks Limited under Project-75," Antony told the Rajya Sabha.

In his written reply to a question on acquisition of new generation submarines, Antony said, "Further, Acceptance of Necessity for acquisition of six more submarines under Project-75(India) has been accorded by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)."

Government constantly reviews the security environment and accordingly decides about induction of appropriate defence equipments and platforms including submarines for the Navy, he told the House.

"In addition, the existing anti-submarine capability is being augmented by induction of surface and air assets," he said.

Replying to a question on harbour security plans, the Minister said, "Indian Navy has detailed security plan in place like Quick Reaction Group (QRG) and Quick Reaction Team (QRT), sentries at appropriate positions within the harbour, landward access control and seaward access control among others."