India and France Finalize Deal for Three Additional Scorpene Submarines
India and France have concluded a major defense agreement to construct three more Scorpene-class submarines at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
Key Points for Quick Revision
- The submarines will be built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
- Technical collaboration is with France's Naval Group.
- The deal includes the integration of Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems.
- This follows the completion of six submarines under Project-75.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Medium | 4–8 | UPSC focuses on strategic aspects: defence policy, Indo-Pacific, border issues, and bilateral defence deals. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 3–5 | Defence acquisitions, military exercises, and appointments appear in SSC GK. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- Military exercise: name, participating countries, location, purpose
- Defence acquisition: system name, purpose, procured from which country
- Appointments: new Chief of Army Staff, CNS, CAS, and their tenures
- Indigenization: 'Made in India' defence milestones, first-ever systems
- Strategic policy: recent changes to defence export policy, FDI limits in defence
Practice Questions
Q1. Which company will build the three additional Scorpene submarines in India?
- Larsen & Toubro
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders
- Hindustan Shipyard
Explanation: The submarines will be constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
Q2. Project-75 is associated with the acquisition of which type of naval vessels?
- Aircraft Carriers
- Destroyers
- Submarines
- Frigates
Explanation: Project-75 is a program for the construction of six Scorpene-class diesel-electric attack submarines.
How to Prepare Defence for Government Exams
For every military exercise, note: India + Partner country + Purpose (bilateral or multilateral). Questions are pattern-based.
Defence indigenization ('Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence') is a high-priority topic for 2025–26. Focus on systems developed by DRDO or HAL.
Chiefs of defence services change periodically. Always keep the current CDS, Army Chief, Navy Chief, and Air Chief up to date.