DCNS India set up a dedicated localisation programme as part of the transfer of technology (ToT) agreement with Indian naval shipbuilder Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) to build six DCNS-designed Scorpene submarines under the P75 contract. On February 6, DCNS India received the prestigious ‘Excellence in Indigenous Technology’ award at Aerospace and Defence Awards 2013 organised by SAP Media Worldwide in Bangalore.
The award was presented by Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Director General of DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister in the presence of other senior government officials and delegates from top defence and aerospace companies.
On receiving the award, Mr Bernard Buisson, Managing Director of DCNS India commented:
“DCNS is deeply honoured and delighted to receive this prestigious award. We would like to thank the evaluation committee for acknowledging the genuine and deep localisation programme set up under the P75 contract. We remain committed to our localisation goals and to meeting the requirements of the Indian Navy and our partner MDL to expand our footprint in India and to participate in future programmes.”
In 2005, Indian naval shipbuilder Mazagon Dock Limited forged a partnership with DCNS to produce six Scorpene submarines under the P75 contract, including transfer of technology (ToT) from DCNS to MDL. Since then, DCNS India’s localisation programme has consistently helped Indian partners to contribute to the P75 contract.
The equipment covered by the P75 contract is highly specific due to the physical constraints under which submarines operate. As in France, local production follows DCNS’s strict quality standards to ensure optimal performance with maximum safety over the long term. All items are fully tested in India before delivery to MDL for integration, MDL being responsible for building the submarines.
DCNS has delivered technical data packages to its Indian Partners and set up a 24/7 local assistance service to help Indian contractors to meet quality requirements and deliver on time. Through DCNS India and its support teams in France, DCNS:
• trained over 50 Indian personnel at DCNS facilities in France for over a year (in 2012 and 2013)
• is providing on-the-job training and technical support in India for a period of five years concerning manufacturing processes and quality control procedures.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 7, 2013; Image: DCNS