The Ministry of Defence has recently entered into a contract on June 30, 2023, with M/S Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai for the Medium Refit with Life Certification (MRLC) of the Sub-Surface Killer (SSK) Class submarine named “INS Shankush.” The project is estimated to cost Rs. 2725 Cr and holds significant importance for the Indian Navy and the country’s defense capabilities.
INS Shankush Refit Project
- INS Shankush, a SSK Class submarine, will undergo the Medium Refit with Life Certification (MRLC) at MDL in Mumbai. The re-fitment process will involve a comprehensive overhaul and upgrading of the submarine’s systems and equipment to enhance its combat capabilities. Once the MRLC is completed, INS Shankush will be combat-ready and will join the active fleet of the Indian Navy.
- The re-fitment project is expected to be completed by 2026, and it serves as a proud symbol of India’s commitment to self-reliance and indigenous defense production. The project aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative and the Make-in-India campaign of the Government of India.
Boosting the Industrial Ecosystem
- The Medium Refit with Life Certification of INS Shankush holds strategic importance for the development of MDL as a Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Hub. This project will further enhance MDL’s capabilities and establish it as a key player in supporting the industrial ecosystem of India’s defense sector.
- The re-fitment project will involve the participation of more than 30 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), promoting a collaborative approach and creating a multiplier effect on the domestic defense industry. The involvement of these MSMEs will not only contribute to the success of the project but also strengthen the capabilities of the Indian defense manufacturing sector.
Employment Generation and Economic Impact
- The INS Shankush refit project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, further bolstering the government’s vision of job creation and economic growth. The project will generate approximately 1200 man-days of employment per day for the duration of the project, providing a boost to the local workforce and the overall economy.
- The employment opportunities created by the project will have a positive impact on the livelihoods of individuals and families associated with the defense manufacturing industry. It will also contribute to the development of skills and expertise in the sector, fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem of skilled professionals.