The Indian Navy is planning to induct indigenously built shallow water anti-submarine craft to defend and destroy underwater threats and has issued a request for information (RFI), Indian Navy officials have said.
“We are looking to induct indigenously built craft for anti-submarine warfare operations in coastal waters and combating the threat posed by submarines,” Press Trust of India has quoted the officials as saying.
According to the RFI, the vessels will be equipped with torpedoes and rocket launchers and will be capable of operating within 200nm from launch base, cruising at speeds above 25kt.
The Navy is planning to use the ships in low-intensity maritime operations and in laying off anti-ship and anti-submarine mines.
The number of vessels to be procured has not been disclosed, but it is expected that the contract could be divided between two different shipyards, according to the officials.
