The Indian Navy has delayed the planned induction of the first of the six Scorpene submarines by three years, according to defence minister A K Antony.

“The first submarine is scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2015. There has been a delay due to initial teething problems and absorption of technology,” he said.

As per the terms of the original contract signed in 2004, the first submarine was scheduled to be delivered in 2012 followed by delivery of one vessel each year up to 2017.

The submarines are currently being built by the Mumbai-based Mazagon Dockyards (MDL) in partnership with DCNS, according to Press Trust of India.