Thursday, August 18 2005 12:46 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Government has approved a long-term plan for the indigenous construction of submarines and acquisition of national competence in submarine building, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said yesterday (Aug 17, 2005).

"Project 75 is a part of this plan", he said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha and added that presently available submarines are maintained and operated to meet the operational requirement of the Navy.

The existing submarines are provided Mid-Life Update (MLU) to extend their service life, he said.

To another question, the defence minister said Indian Navy has acquired 10 Dornier Aircraft at a total cost of Rs 388.20 crore from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for maritime reconnaissance and submarine warfare.

He also said there was no delay in commissioning of these aircraft as they were inducted in the Navy from February 1998 to December 1999.

They are being exploited for maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare role.