The Contract was signed between Flash Forge India Pvt. Ltd., based in Visakhapatnam, and DCNS India Pvt. Ltd.
The production by the shipyard Mazagon Dock Ltd. (MDL) of six SSK Scorpene submarines (P75) under the DCNS transfer of technology (ToT) is ongoing. Simultaneously, DCNS India is working at the selection and qualification of Indian companies as partners for local production of the Scorpenes’ equipments.
In adherence with the Indian authorities systematic pursue of indigenization, DCNS is continuously striving to go beyond the contractual ToT with MDL so that vital equipments and systems could be locally manufactured*. The aim is to enhance local expertises with the Indian industries.
“We are in India to establish partnerships with the Indian industry to develop local capability and to perform genuine transfers of technologies. We are providing our Indian partners with know-how and technical assistance to manufacture equipments which will be installed onboard the Scorpene submarines. MDL, our main contractor, is also to sub-contract work to these local players. Together, we are qualifying the suitable companies which are meeting the rigorous specifications needed for the submarines” explains Bernard Buisson, Managing Director of DCNS India**.
This first contract with Flash Forge for the manufacturing of mechanical equipment is the conclusion of a long and stringent process. This involved the identification, audits (of the manufacturing and quality processes) and qualification of potential partners. Selection of the winner was made through a competitive Request For Proposal (RFP) which took into account, among various others, the following critical parameters:
Quality requirements: Every shortlisted local supplier had to demonstrate an experience and adherence to strict production and quality control policies. Every equipment onboard a submarine contributes to the overall safety of the crews on board and of the ship on the whole.
Delivery schedule: Every supplier had to show a track record of on-time deliveries as it is imperative to curtail any delay arising out of the procurement process.
Long term vision: Given the relative small quantities of each material to be manufactured (the last four submarines will be fitted with indigenized equipment), each potential industrial partner needs to demonstrate a willingness to invest in the required specific infrastructure development.
The same comprehensive selection method is under way for other equipments and more contracts with Indian partners will be announced shortly.
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