India orders French subs

The Indian government has approved a 2.4 billion euro order for six French Scorpene submarines, in which Thales and partner DCN have a 1.2 billion euro share. The deal, already cleared by the Indian defence and finance ministries, has been awaiting finalisation for several months. DCN, the state-owned shipyard, said it has not yet received the official decision and Thales, its partner in the 50-50 Armaris joint venture, declined to comment on the report.

Under the programme, six conventionally powered submarines will be built in India, and France will supply the type 36 Exocet missiles for the newbuildings.