Scorpène class profile
Class overview
NameScorpène class
Builders
Operators
Preceded byAgosta class
Succeeded by
Subclasses
CostUS$450 million
Built1999–present
In commission2005–present
Planned21
On order3 (order yet to be signed)
Building2
Completed12
Cancelled4
Active11
General characteristics
TypeSubmarine
Displacement
  • 1,565 t (1,540 long tons) (CM-2000)
  • 1,870 t (1,840 long tons) (AM-2000)
  • 1,900 t (1,900 long tons) (S-BR)[1]
Length
  • 61.7 m (202 ft 5 in) (CM-2000)
  • 70 m (229 ft 8 in) (AM-2000)
  • 70.62 m (231 ft 8 in) (S-BR)[1]
Beam6.2 m (20 ft 4 in)
Draft5.8 m (19 ft 0 in)
Propulsion
Speed
  • 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph) (submerged)
  • 12 kn (22 km/h; 14 mph) (surfaced)
Range
  • 6,500 nmi (12,000 km) at 8 kn (15 km/h; 9.2 mph) (surfaced)
  • 550 nmi (1,020 km; 630 mi) at 5 kn (9.3 km/h; 5.8 mph) (submerged)
Endurance
  • 40 days (compact)
  • 50 days (normal)
  • 50 + 21 days (AIP)
Test depth>350 m (1,150 ft)[2]
Complement31
Armament6 × 533 mm (21 in) torpedo tubes for 18 Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei Black Shark heavyweight torpedoes, SM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, and A3SM (MICA) anti-air missiles and 30 mines in place of torpedoes

The Scorpène-class submarines are a class of diesel-electric attack submarines jointly developed by the French Naval Group (formerly the DCNS) and the Spanish company Navantia. It features diesel propulsion and an additional air-independent propulsion (AIP). It is now marketed as the Scorpène 2000.

Scorpène characteristics

The Scorpène class of submarines has three subtypes:[3]

  • CM-2000 - conventional diesel-electric version 61.7 meters long.
  • AM-2000 - air-independent propulsion (AIP) derivative.
    • MESMA AIP, length stretched to 70 meters.
  • CA-2000 - downsized version for coastal missions.
  • S-BR - Brazilian Navy[4] variant, a CM-2000 stretched to 70.62 meters to accommodate more batteries.

The Chilean and Malaysian boats are fitted with the TSM 2233 Mk 2 sonar. The class can also be fitted with a 'S-Cube' sonar suite from Thales.[5]

Air-independent propulsion

The French Module d'Energie Sous-Marine Autonome (MESMA) system is being offered by the French shipyard Naval Group for the Scorpène-class submarines. It is essentially a modified version of their nuclear propulsion system with heat being generated by ethanol and oxygen. The combustion of the ethanol and stored oxygen, at a pressure of 60 atm (6.1 MPa), generates steam which powers a conventional turbine power plant. This pressure-firing allows exhaust carbon dioxide to be expelled overboard at any depth without an exhaust compressor.

Each MESMA system costs around US$50–60 million. As installed on the Scorpènes, it requires adding a new 8.3-metre (27 ft), 305-tonne hull section to the submarines, and enables a submarine to operate for more than 21 days under water depending on speed.

Naval Group is also developing second-generation hydrogen fuel cell AIP modules for future Scorpène models.

Scorpène information leak

In mid-August 2016, The Australian newspaper published documents containing old technical information about the Scorpène submarines and reported that design details of the Scorpène-class submarine and other ships had been leaked.[6] The leaked information spreads over 22,400 pages and includes detailed information about the submarine's combat and stealth capabilities.[7] The leak also included information about noise levels, submarine frequencies and more.[8] Despite all the information leaks, Indian Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba was quoted as saying that the leaks were being viewed "very seriously", but were "not a matter of much worry".[9] The report also suggested that an ex-French Navy officer working as a sub-contractor for Naval Group may have been the source of the leak, and that the leaked data may have been written in France in 2011.[10] However, on 30 August 2016, a court in New South Wales temporarily banned The Australian from releasing any more confidential data on the Indian Scorpène-class submarines.[11]

Naval Group filed a complaint against the newspaper with the Supreme Court of the State of New South Wales in Australia. The Australian court ruled in favour of Naval Group on 29 August and confirmed its decision on 1 September.[12]

Operators

Current operators

Chile

Carrera of the Chilean Navy

The Chilean Navy ordered two Scorpène-class boats, which replaced two Oberon-class submarines retired by the Chilean Navy. The Chilean Scorpène-class O'Higgins and Carrera were completed in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

Malaysia

KD Tunku Abdul Rahman of the Royal Malaysian Navy

In 2002, Malaysia ordered two Scorpène-class boats worth €1.04 billion (about RM4.78 billion). Both boats Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Abdul Razak commissioned by Royal Malaysian Navy in 2009.

India

INS Kalvari of the Indian Navy

In 2005, India chose the Scorpène design; purchasing six submarines for US$3 billion (US$500 million per boat). Under a technology transfer agreement, the state-owned Mazagon Docks in Mumbai was to manufacture the submarines, and deliver them between 2012 and 2016, however the project is running six years behind schedule.[13][14] Construction started on 23 May 2009.[5] In August 2016, over 20,000 confidential pages of the submarine's manual were leaked by Australian media,[15] stirring up a controversy about the impact to India's ambitions of fielding a blue-water navy.[16]

Naval Group answered that those documents were not crucial.[17] After extensive sea trials, Kalvari was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 14 December 2017.[18]

India's Defence Procurement Board (DPB) (a part of the Ministry of Defence) green lit the acquisition of 3 additional boats on 10 July 2023. Following this, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the proposal on 13 July 2023. The deal was expected to be signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France on Bastille Day, 14 July 2023. However, no such deal was signed and the deal is now expected to be signed by end of 2024 with the deliveries beginning by 2031.[19][20][21][22]

Brazil

Riachuelo of the Brazilian Navy
Humaitá of the Brazilian Navy

In 2009, Brazil purchased four enlarged Scorpènes for US$10 billion with a technology transfer agreement and a second agreement to develop a French/Brazilian nuclear-powered submarine. The Brazilian submarine class was given the designation Riachuelo class. The hull of the first S-BR (S40) was laid down at Cherbourg on 27 May 2010 and is to be jumboized at the Brazilian Navy Shipyard in Sepetiba in late 2012.[23] The latter three submarines will be built there entirely, and are planned to be commissioned in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The nuclear-powered submarine Álvaro Alberto is under construction since 2018, with scheduled launch for 2027.[24]

The first submarine Riachuelo was launched on 14 December 2018, and began sea trials in September 2019.[25] All the submarines are built by the Brazilian defence company Itaguaí Construções Navais.

Potential operators

Philippines

In December 2019, Secretary of National Defense of Philippines Delfin Lorenzana announced that the Scorpène-class submarine of France fits the requirements of the Philippine Navy. Lorenzana visited a Scorpène-class submarine when he visited France.[26] On 18 December 2019, Lorenzana said that the Philippines is one step closer to acquiring the French submarine after signing an agreement with France sought to enhance both country's maritime defense.[27] In January 2020, Philippine and French Navy conducted an expert exchange on a submarine to enhance members in the submarine's information about the submarine proper.[28] In July 2023, Naval Group presented its submarine package that includes a submarine base in Subic's Agila Shipyard and training of personnel, aside from getting the project funded by a long term loan arrangement.[29] The submarines are likely patterned from Brazil's Riachuelo-class variant.[30]

Poland

Naval Group participate in the “Orka” submarine procurement programme pursued by the Polish Navy.[31][32][33][34]

Indonesia

As of 2021, Indonesia is still considering purchasing a Riachuelo-class submarine, the Scorpène variant constructed for Brazil. Talks for such a purchase started as early as 2016.[35] On 7 June 2021, Indonesia signed a letter of intent to buy six Scorpène-class submarines and weapons packages from France.[36] On 10 February 2022, the Indonesian Minister of Defence Prabowo Subianto and his French counterpart Florence Parly witness the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kaharuddin Djenod, CEO of PT. PAL and Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group on cooperation in research and development between PT. PAL and Naval Group regarding the plan to purchase Six Scorpène submarines with AIP (Air-independent Propulsion) along with weapons and spare parts as well as training.[37][38][39]

Romania

As of 2022, Romania is considering purchasing two Scorpène-class submarines from the French.[40]

Failed bids

Spain

In 2003, the Spanish government ordered four Scorpène AIP submarines worth €1,756 million.[41] However, the Spanish Navy cancelled the order, and ordered four S-80-class submarines, instead. This has caused conflicts and controversies between Naval Group and Navantia, as the latter is still involved in the construction of the submarines sold to India, Malaysia, and Chile, while the S-80 is offered on the export market.[42] As an answer to the competition from the S-80, Naval Group designed its own enhanced version of the Scorpène called the Marlin class, but little is known about this design and the Scorpène is still offered by France on the export market. The dispute was settled when Navantia gave up export rights on the Scorpène class, leaving Naval Group with sole responsibility for the project.[43]

Poland

On 1 March 2011, the Naval Shipyard Gdynia of Poland and Naval Group offered a license to build a yet undisclosed number of modified Scorpène-class boats. The Scorpène design is competing with that of the German Type 214 submarine.[44]

Norway

In December 2016, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence announced that Norway would sign a contract for four new submarines before the end of 2019. These would either be Scorpène vessels from Naval Group or German U-boats from ThyssenKrupp. Norway would also be looking into possible cooperation on maintenance and construction with other potential buyers of the same submarines, such as Poland or the Netherlands.[45][46] In February 2017, the Norwegian Government announced that it intended to procure its new submarines from the German manufacturer, ThyssenKrupp. Norway and Germany will buy submarines together to mutualize expenses. In practice the tender was cancelled and exclusive government to government negotiations were initiated.

Units

NamePennant no.Laid downLaunchedCommissionedHomeport
 Chile
O'HigginsSS-2318 November 19991 November 20038 September 2005Talcahuano
CarreraSS-22November 200024 November 200420 July 2006Talcahuano
 Malaysia
KD Tunku Abdul Rahman-25 April 200423 October 2007January 2009Sepanggar
KD Tun Abdul Razak-25 April 2005October 2008December 2009Sepanggar
 India
KalvariS-211 April 20096 April 2015 [47]14 December 2017[18][48]Vishakhapatnam / Mumbai
KhanderiS-22October 201112 January 2017[49]28 September 2019[50][51]Vishakhapatnam / Mumbai
KaranjS-23December 201231 January 2018[52]10 March 2021[53]Vishakhapatnam / Mumbai
Vela[54]S-24—6 May 2019[55]25 November 2021[56]Vishakhapatnam / Mumbai
Vagir[54]S-25—12 November 2020[57]23 January 2023[58][59][60]Vishakhapatnam / Mumbai
Vagsheer[54] S-26—20 April, 2022[61]Vishakhapatnam / Mumbai
TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
 Brazil
RiachueloS4027 May 2010[23]14 December 2018[62]1 September 2022[63]Madeira Island, Itaguaí
HumaitáS419 September 2013[64]11 December 2020[65]12 January 2024[66]Madeira Island, Itaguaí
ToneleroS422017December 2021 (expected)[67]TBDMadeira Island, Itaguaí
AngosturaS432018December 2022 (expected)[67]TBDMadeira Island, Itaguaí

Scorpène 1000

See Andrasta-class submarine.

See also

Submarines of similar comparison

References

  1. 1 2 "Submarino "Riachuelo" reforça a soberania do País na Amazônia Azul". Brazilian Navy (in Portuguese). 1 September 2022.
  2. ↑ "Scorpene® 1000". DCNS. Archived from the original on 15 September 2014. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
  3. ↑ "The Market for Submarines" (PDF). Forecast International. August 2009. Archived from the original on April 17, 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2010.
  4. ↑ "Novas pistas sobre o 'S-BR', o novo submarino convencional Brasileiro". www.naval.com.br. 6 May 2010. Archived from the original on 22 April 2010. Retrieved 13 May 2010.
  5. 1 2 "Project 75 – Scorpene SSK". bharat-rakshak.com. Archived from the original on 30 March 2009. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  6. ↑ Siegel, Matt; Irish, John (24 August 2016). "France's DCNS says India submarine data leak may be 'economic warfare'". Reuters. Archived from the original on 15 July 2017.
  7. ↑ Laskar, Rezaul H (24 August 2016). "Secret data on Indian Navy's Scorpene-class submarines leaked". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 26 August 2016.
  8. ↑ Stewart, Cameron (25 August 2016). "What the Scorpene leak reveals". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 29 August 2016.
  9. ↑ "Scorpene Leak serious, not a matter of worry, says Navy Chief". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 2016-08-31. Retrieved 2016-08-30.
  10. ↑ "French ex-naval officer behind Scorpene leak?". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 2016-08-29. Retrieved 2016-08-30.
  11. ↑ Som, Vishnu. "Scorpene Leak: 'The Australian' Can't Release Confidential Data, Says Court". NDTV. Archived from the original on 2016-08-30. Retrieved 2016-08-30.
  12. ↑ Genevelle, Eric (2020). La véritable histoire des bateaux sous-marins, de 1945 à nos jours. Des auteurs des livres. p. 235. ISBN 978-2-36497-046-5.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  13. ↑ Kulkarni, Neha (7 September 2018). "Mazagon Dock to deliver second Scorpene class submarine by year end". the Indian Express. Archived from the original on 5 December 2018. Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  14. ↑ Pandit, Rajat (28 August 2014). "Defence minister Arun Jaitley reviews delayed Scorpene submarine project". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 August 2014. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
  15. ↑ Som, Vishnu. "The $3.5 Billion Leak: Scorpene Submarines Exposed, India Assesses Damage". NDTV. Archived from the original on 2016-08-26.
  16. ↑ Joshi, Shashank. "Understanding Scorpene leak: Why India's next-gen subs are now vulnerable". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 2016-08-26. Retrieved 2016-08-26.
  17. ↑ Pommier, Sébastien. "Fuite de documents chez DCNS: "Nous sommes en guerre économique"". L'Express (in French). Archived from the original on 2016-08-26. Retrieved 2016-08-26.
  18. 1 2 "Scorpene-class submarine Kalvari, built in Mazagon Dock, inducted into Navy". Archived from the original on 2017-12-14. Retrieved 2017-12-14.
  19. ↑ Peri, Dinakar. "Contract for three more Scorpene submarines likely by end-2024; first delivery expected by 2031". The Hindudate=2023-07-25.
  20. ↑ "DAC approves proposals for procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft from France to boost Indian Navy's operational capabilities". PIB (Press release). 2023-07-13.
  21. ↑ Ghosh, Sanchari (2023-07-10). "PM Modi to ink deal with France to acquire 26 Rafale-M fighters, three attack submarines". The Mint.
  22. ↑ "India Likely To Buy 26 Rafales, 3 Scorpene Subs During PM's France Visit". NDTV. 2023-07-10.
  23. 1 2 Nicolas von Kospot (2 June 2010). "First Steel Cut for Brazilian Submarine Programme". www.defpro.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2010.
  24. ↑ "O Prosub e o submarino nuclear brasileiro SN-BR" (in Portuguese). Poder Naval. 20 February 2018.
  25. ↑ "Submarino Riachuelo inicia provas de mar" (in Portuguese). Poder Naval. 25 September 2019.
  26. ↑ Nepomuceno, Priam (December 3, 2019). "French-made Scorpene submarine ideal for PH: Lorenzana". www.pna.gov.ph. Retrieved 2020-05-07.
  27. ↑ Sadongdong, Marin (December 18, 2019). "PH a step closer to acquiring first submarine". Manila Bulletin.
  28. ↑ Tiamzon, Gaile (January 13, 2020). "France, PHL navies hold expert exchange on submarine". Mintfo. Retrieved 2020-05-07.
  29. ↑ Mangosing, Frances (17 July 2023). "France ramps up naval ties with PH". Inquirer.net. Archived from the original on 2 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  30. ↑ "Updates on the Philippine Navy's Submarine Acquisition Project". Pitz Defense Analysis. 28 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  31. ↑ https://defence24.com/industry/polish-orka-submarine-procurement-gains-weight-and-bids
  32. ↑ https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/july/13363-poland-decides-to-restart-orka-submarine-acquisition-program.html
  33. ↑ https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/06/orka-reactivation-which-submarines-for-poland/
  34. ↑ https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2023/09/12/asian-european-players-compete-for-polish-submarine-order/
  35. ↑ Rahmat, Ridzwan (2 December 2020). "Indonesia in talks with Naval Group for variant of Riachuelo-class submarine". Janes. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
  36. ↑ GDC (2021-08-02). "Indonesia signed a letter of intent to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets from France". Global Defense Corp. Retrieved 2021-08-02.
  37. ↑ GDC (2022-02-13). "Indonesia Purchased Six Scorpene-Class Submarines From France". Global Defense Corp. Retrieved 2022-02-14.
  38. ↑ Manaranche, Martin (2022-02-10). "Naval Group and PT PAL ink MoU with Submarine Deal in Sight". Naval News. Retrieved 2022-02-10.
  39. ↑ Rachmalia, Mira. "Top RI! Bukan Cuma Rafale, Kapal Selam Scorpene Juga Diborong". CNBC Indonesia (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2022-02-10.
  40. ↑ "Romania's Submarine Ambitions". www.navalnews.com. Retrieved 2022-07-20.
  41. ↑ "Scorpene Basic-AIP". Deagel.com. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
  42. ↑ "Scorpène: DCNS et Navantia en instance de divorce". Mer et Marine. Archived from the original on September 29, 2011. Retrieved 2011-12-28.
  43. ↑ Ruello, Alain. "Sous-marins : DCNS et Navantia reprennent leur liberté". Les Echos (in French). Archived from the original on 2017-10-09. Retrieved 2017-02-10.
  44. ↑ Sowula, Sławomir (March 2011). "Gdyńska stocznia chce budować okręty podwodne". Gazeta Wyborcza (in Polish) (2011–03–03). Archived from the original on 7 March 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
  45. ↑ "Nye ubåter - status desember 2016". Norwegian government. Archived from the original on 10 January 2017. Retrieved 9 January 2017.
  46. ↑ "Dette kan avgjøre ubåtkjøpet". aldrimer.no. 9 January 2017. Archived from the original on 10 January 2017. Retrieved 9 January 2017.
  47. ↑ "New India submarine enters water". BBC News. 6 April 2015. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
  48. ↑ "Scorpenes no more". Archived from the original on 2017-03-18. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  49. ↑ "Second Scorpene class submarine Khanderi to be launched on Jan 12". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 2017-01-12. Retrieved 2017-01-09.
  50. ↑ "India's second Scorpene-class sub INS Khanderi's induction delayed". The Week. 16 May 2019. Archived from the original on 17 May 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  51. ↑ "Aero India 2019: India to receive second Scorpene-class submarine by April 2019". Jane's 360. Jane's Navy International. 21 February 2019. Archived from the original on 22 February 2019. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
  52. ↑ "Third Scorpene submarine 'Karanj' Launched at Mazagon Docks". pib.nic.in. Archived from the original on 2018-02-01. Retrieved 2018-01-31.
  53. ↑ Desk, India com News (2021-03-10). "INS Karanj, 3rd Scorpene-Class Submarine Commissioned Into Indian Navy | See Pictures". India News, Breaking News | India.com. Retrieved 2021-03-10.
  54. 1 2 3 "INS Karanj boosts Navy's firepower". The Hindu. Retrieved 2018-01-31.
  55. ↑ "INS Vela: Indian Navy's 4th Scorpene-class made in India submarine launched". Financial Express. Archived from the original on 6 May 2019. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  56. ↑ @livefist (November 15, 2021). "Indian Navy to commission fourth Scorpene submarine VELA into service on Nov 25" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  57. ↑ "Indian Navy gets fifth Scorpene-class submarine 'INS Vagir'". www.timesnownews.com. Retrieved 2020-11-12.
  58. ↑ "INS Vagir, 5th submarine of Kalvari class, commissioned into Indian Navy". www.hindustantimes.com. 23 January 2023.
  59. ↑ Dominguez, Gabriel; Bedi, Rahul (10 March 2021). "Indian Navy commissions third Kalvari (Scorpène)-class submarine". Janes. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  60. ↑ "Mazagon Dock to deliver second Scorpene class submarine by year end". The Indian Express. 7 September 2018. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
  61. ↑ "LAUNCH OF SIXTH SCORPENE SUBMARINE 'VAGSHEER' AT MAZAGON DOCK LIMITED (MDL), MUMBAI" (Press release). PIB. 2022-04-20.
  62. ↑ "Brazil launches first of 5 navy attack submarines". EFE. 14 December 2018.
  63. ↑ "Submarino "Riachuelo" reforça a soberania do País na Amazônia Azul". Brazilian Navy (in Portuguese). 1 September 2022.
  64. ↑ "Cortada a primeira chapa do segundo submarino do PROSUB, o futuro 'Humaitá'" (in Portuguese). Poder Naval. 9 September 2013.
  65. ↑ "Submarino Humaitá (S 41) – Falta muito pouco para ser lançado ao mar". Defesa Aérea & Naval (in Portuguese). 2 December 2020. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
  66. ↑ "VÍDEO: Cerimônia de Mostra de Armamento do Submarino 'Humaitá' – S41" (in Portuguese). Poder Naval. 12 January 2024. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  67. 1 2 "LAAD 2017: Brazilian submarine programme moves into construction". IHS Jane's 360. 11 April 2017. Archived from the original on 13 April 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.