India to build 32 airships, six submarines in 3 years

• Source: Xinhua
• [08:10 May 20 2009]
• Comments

India is all set to build on its own at least 32 naval airships and six submarines in three years' time as part of its Navy's modernization program, Indian Navy chief Admiral Suresh Mehta said Tuesday.

"The Indian Navy would build 32 warships and six submarines using indigenous technology by the year 2012," Mehta told the media in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata on the sidlines of commissioning of the Navy's sixth Landing Ship Tank, Airavat, into the Eastern Naval Command.

"The ship can carry 10 Main Battle Tanks, 11 Combat Trucks and 500 Troops. With a significantly enhanced weapon package, latest control systems and better habitability conditions, Airavat delivers considerable punch and amphibious capabilities to the fighting prowess of the Indian Navy," the Indian Navy said in a media release in the national capital.