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| Russian built Kilo class Submarine (File Photo) |
By VIVEK RAGHUVANSHI
NEW DELHI — Following the fire on the Indian Navy’s frontline submarine, the Indian Defence Ministry is contemplating fast-tracking a second midlife upgrade for its Russian-made Kilo-class submarines in order to extend the life of its inventory by 15 years.
After the fire on the Sindhurakshak, in which the submarine partially sank, the Navy is left with only 13 conventional submarines, including four aging German-made HDW submarines. MoD sources said talks have already begun with the Russians for a second upgrade of the Kilos.
An Indian team has visited Russia to explore the idea of an upgrade, sources said, but no details are available. The Sindhurakshak arrived in India in April after an upgrade in Russia.
Of the 13 submarines, only six or seven are operational.
Read the full story at DefenseNews