Monday, September 12 2005 20:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Paris: French radar major Thales, which is a main partner in the Scorpene Submarine building company, today (Sept 12, 2005) said the Indian Government's decision to acquire six of the highly advanced underwater vessels, signalled a strengthening of Indo-French cooperation in defence.

Welcoming the decision, Thales Chairman and CEO Denis Ranque said the company would strive to prove its excellence in the project.

The Scorpene submarines are marketed by Armaris, a joint venture between Thales and DCN-International.

Ranque said Thales would supply key sub-systems for the submarines, including six SUBTIC integrated combat systems, underwater sensors, communications and Optronics and electronic warfare equipment. According to company officials, for Thales the contract would be worth USD 737 million.