In a shocking security breach which could compromise national interests, it is comingout that sensitive data regarding India's Scorpene submarines has been leaked. According to the Australian newspaper, he leaked documents were marked "Restricted Scorpene India"
India spent a whopping $3.45 billion to French defence contractor DCNS for designing the Scorpene exclusively for the country. The 22400 leaked documents included even the most sensitive data detailing almost every aspect of the combat capability of India's Scorpene-class submarine, "the most lethal conventional submarine ever contemplated".
More than 500 pages were on torpedo launch system also. The DCNS website says the Scorpene would be "the recipient of France's most sensitive and protected submarine technology and will be the most lethal conventional submarine ever contemplated".
First Indian Scorepene class submarines called Kalvari went to trials under seas this May and Indian Navy is expected to induct it soon. Indian Navy planned to induct six Scorpene submarines and it would form the core of the Navy's submarine arm for the next two decades.
Defence Minister Manohar Paraikkar who sought detailed report told "This came to my knowledge at 12 midnight, it is a case of hacking," and added "The first step is to identify if it's related to us, and anyway it's not (at) all a 100% leak,"
On the origin of leaks France's DCNS says it was aware of the reports in Australian media and that "national security authorities" had launched an inquiry into the matter". French Defence contractor said "This inquiry will determine the precise nature of the documents which have been leaked, the potential damage to our customers as well as those responsible,"
Contractor felt that leaks originated from India than from France. But inside talk is former French Navy Officer removed the date in 2011 from France and passed through various comanies in Southeast Asia before eventually being mailed to a company in Australia.
Australian PM downplayed the leaks stating though it is matter of concern, it is protected as it is buying different model of Scorpene. Leaks will alarm not only India but also Malaysia and Chile as it is using variant of the Scorepene. Brazil is all set to deploy Scorpenes from 2018.
