Description:
The modular Scorpene-class submarines feature reduced acoustic emissions for stealth, integrated weapon system to achieve improved performance over previous generations, and automated systems to reduce the crew requested to operate the vessel. The Mesma Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, provided to the Scorpene submarines, extends the submerged endurance 3 to 4 times.
Chile and Malaysia have ordered two Scorpene submarines each. The Malaysian Scorpenes will be delivered in 2007 and 2008, and the Chilean in 2005 and 2007. O'Higgins class is the Chilean designation for the Scorpene-class submarines. India and Spain could be the next export customers for the Scorpene submarine with 6+6 and 3 vessels expected respectively. As of 2004, Spain signed up for four firm boats to be built by IZAR.
Each Scorpene submarine features six 533mm bow located torpedo tubes with 18 weapons between torpedoes, mines (up to 30) and missiles. The Scorpene's torpedo tubes are compatible with F17, BlackShark and Mk48 torpedoes and Exocet missiles. These submarines can perform anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), reconnaissance and intelligence, mine laying and special operations missions.
The Scorpene Basic has been designed to perform a wide range of missions from the littoral environment to the open sea. It features a diesel-electric propulsion system. Four Scorpene Basic Submarines have been ordered by Chile and Malaysia with two boats assigned to each country. The Malaysian Navy will commission its first boat by 2008.
On November 20, 2004, O'Higgins, the first submarine ordered by Chile, performed the launch of two torpedoes, SUT and BlackShark, for the first time while submerged during sea trials near Loirent, France.
On 9 September 2005, DCN handed over the O'Higgins submarine to the Chilean Navy for commissioning during a ceremony held at Cherbourg, France. The second boat ordered by Chile in 1997, named Carrera, was undergoing trials at port by Navantia, formerly Bazan/IZAR, in Cartagena, Spain. O'Higgins is expected to be commissioned before the end of 2005.
On 12 September 2005, India selected DCN's Scorpene design to enhance its submarine fleet. Six submarines were scheduled to be built under a program expected to last over 12/15 years. Mazagon Dock Limited shipyards in Bombay will build all six boats with Armaris - a joint venture between DCN and Thales - providing the combat system and DCN acting as the lead contractor.
Armaris, a Thales and DCN joint venture, signed with the Indian government the purchase agreement on six Scorpene submarines as well as the technology transfer contract to Bombay Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) at New Delhi, India, on 6 October 2005. DCN share was valued at 900 million Euros.
On 20 July 2006, Spanish shipyards Navantia delivered the Carrera submarine to the Chilean Navy in Cartagena, Spain.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 36
Number of Weapons: 18
Dimensions: Beam 6.2 m, Draft 5.4 m, Length 66.4 m
Weights: Displacement Submerged 1,700 t, Displacement Surfaced 1,525 t
Performance: Endurance 50 day, Max Operating Depth 300 m (984 ft), Top Speed Submerged 20 kt (37 kph), Top Speed Surfaced 12 kt (22 kph)
Brazil / 4 
Chile / 2 
India / 6 / 
Malaysia / 2 
