Naval Group Launches Innovative Workshop in Karwar to Enhance Support for Indian Navy’s Kalvari Submarines
The technical workshop of Naval Group India, located in the Karwar industrial zone, was officially launched on September 13th, 2023, conducted by Rear Admiral KM Ramakrishnan, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area (FOK), in the esteemed company of Mr. Vincent Martinot-Lagarde, EVP Services of Naval Group, Mr. Laurent Videau, Country & Managing Director of Naval Group India, along with other esteemed dignitaries.
The inauguration of Naval Group India’s technical workshop at the Karwar industrial hub marks a significant commitment to the Indian Navy and the broader maritime industry. Strategically positioned near the Indian Navy’s Naval Ship Repair Yard at Karwar, it will support India’s fleet of aircraft carriers, warships, and Kalvari class submarines (inspired by the Naval Group Scorpene® design). Notably, Naval Group India stands as the first subsidiary of any Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) platform designer to establish its physical presence at Karwar, aligning with the Government of India’s vision for INS Kadamba, also known as Project Sea Bird.
This workshop will host essential tools and skilled Indian engineers to deliver timely services, in collaboration with our adept partners – Indian Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It will complement the existing Naval Group workshops in Mumbai, with a mission to execute and enhance maintenance operations relevant to, but not limited to, combat systems (electronic printed circuit boards, cabinets, console peripherals, etc.), electrical systems (antenna switching units, power supply units for sonar/Torpedo interface modules/Air surface detection systems, starter panels and intercoms), and mechanical systems (valves, masts, reducers, pressure bottles, etc.).
During the event, EVP Services Mr. Vincent Martinot-Lagarde stated, “We are investing up to INR 100 crores for this new facility. We are fully prepared to support the Indian Navy adeptly in the maintenance of Kalvari class submarines through forthcoming refits and beyond. The establishment of our technical workshop is a natural progression of the strategic collaborative relationship between India and France in the domain of underwater defense and deterrence, aligned with our unwavering commitment to the Indian Government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.”
It was also stressed that Naval Group consistently reinforces its subsidiary and partners within India, thereby facilitating a majority of repair activities locally, which drastically reduces turnaround time compared to outsourcing to foreign OEMs. This initiative fosters an increase in indigenous sourcing.
