Antony asks defence shipyards to expedite modernization programmes

New Delhi: Defence minister AK Antony has urged the country's defence shipyards to expedite the process of modernization and reduce the build period of warships. Speaking on the occasion of receiving dividend cheques from Mumbai-located Mazgaon Docks Limited, (MDL), Kolkata-located Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) the minister said that warship building process in the country was poised for a quantum jump over the next few years.

According to Antony, the quantum jump would be made on the back of increased design capabilities matched with global level infrastructure at all the three defence shipyards. He said all the three defence shipyards were poised to become state-of-the-art shipbuilders over the next few years.

The three defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) MDL, GRSE, GSL paid a total of Rs104.84 crore as dividend for the financial year 2007-08.

To date, MDL has manufactured 196 ships, and is currently constructing a total of 14 ships, including 3 frigates, 3 destroyers and 6 submarines for the Indian Navy. It is now implementing an ambitious phased modernization programme, costing Rs826 crore, in consultation with international experts. It is also embarking on a joint venture facility with leading global agencies for design of futuristic warships.

MDL has also bagged an export order for the design, construction and supply of Multipurpose Support Vessels (MSV) from a Singapore-based company.

GRSE has constructed 91 ships to date and is currently engaged with the production of 15 ships, including 4 corvettes, Large Landing Ship Tank and Fast Attack Crafts (FAC) for Indian Navy. GRSE is also set to launch its modernization programme, at a cost of Rs603 crore, and is finalizing a joint venture with leading global agencies for design and engineering of futuristic warships.

Goa-located GSL has constructed 182 ships till date and is currently manufacturing 10 ships, including Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPVs) and Sail Training Ships (STS) for Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. It is also in the process finalizing tenders of the various components of its modernization programme, costing Rs792 crore, to be implemented in phases in consultation with the international experts.

GSL has also bagged an export order from the Royal Navy of Oman.