India will sign a deal on Thursday to buy six new French Scorpene submarines, the Defense Ministry said, as the country pushes to modernize its military.
The $2.1 billion deal for the submarines was cleared by union cabinet last month, and the pact provides for the transfer of technology from France to India so that more submarines can be manufactured under license in Mumbai, Indian authorities said.
Indian Air Force to purchase 126 new aircraft
The six 1,500-ton submarines, being bought from France, will be armed with French-made Exocet anti-ship missiles.
The Indian navy currently has 22 submarines of Russian or German origin.
The deal to buy the six French submarines was finalized last month by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit to Paris.
During the trip, French President Jacques Chirac called India "a major partner" and said the order for the submarines and 43 Airbus civilian jets were a sign "of trust, friendship and cooperation."
In a bid to modernize its armed forces, India is on a military buying spree with a shopping list that also includes new fighter planes, advanced jet trainer aircraft and armoured tanks.
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