thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited have signed a contract for overhaul and modernisation of Indian submarine INS Shankush.
The agreement follows a memorandum of understanding between the partners in June 2023 for the construction of submarines for the Indian Navy in India.
INS Shankush is the second submarine in a series of four HDW Class 209 Type 1500 boats that remain in service today. The submarines were built and delivered for the Indian Navy in the 1980s as part of a German-Indian co-operation programme. After seeing service for decades, INS Shankush is now due for a planned extension of its operational capability.
Over the next three years, INS Shankush will be modernised in close partnership between state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. thyssenkrupp Marine Systems will be responsible for supplying material packages, including selected systems, equipment and components as well as for on-site technical support and pressure hull inspection.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders will act as contractor for the upgrade and is responsible for on-time delivery of the submarine.
The relationship between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems started in the 1980s, when thyssenkrupp Marine Systems joined forces with the Indian Navy and the Indian yard for the construction of the quartet of diesel-electric submarines. The first two boats were built in Germany, and boats three and four were constructed at Mazagon Dock.
INS Shishumar underwent a mid-life refit/life extension following an agreement between the parties dating from 2018. This extended the service life of the submarine for another 10 years. Shishumar will undertake sea trials later this year.
