The Defence Ministry has signed a ₹2,725-crore contract with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, for the Medium Refit with Life Certification (MRLC) of the HDW-class submarine INS Shankush which will extend its life. This is the second HDW submarine that will undergo MRLC with upgrade of the first one, currently in progress, to be completed by August. This is one of seven submarines that are being put through the process as the Navy struggles to maintain its depleting sub-surface fleet.
Meanwhile, the fourth Kilo-class submarine meant to undergo MRLC is awaiting transport to be taken to Russia, which has been delayed due to non-availability of transport docks in the backdrop of war in Ukraine.
The MRLC of INS Shishumar, the first HDW-class submarine to undergo life extension, began on October 1, 2018 and is scheduled to be completed this August, a defence official said. In all, four Russian-origin Kilo-class submarines and three German-origin HDW-class submarines will undergo the MRLC process, officials said.
