A massive leak on submarines built by French company DCNS has revealed the secret combat capabilities of India’s Scorpene submarines. This class of submarine is also currently being operated by the Royal Malaysian Navy; potentially leaving our own submersible exposed.
Data from the leak was originally made public by Australian newspaper The Australian; which was concerned about the potential impact on the country’s own combat capabilities. DCNS is also reportedly building six submarines for Australia; although defence officials claim that these are new designs and have no relation to the Scorpene.
The data does not appear to be recent information, as the 22,000 page document is dated from 2011. Indian officials claim that the source of the leak is from a cyberattack and not leaked from the inside. However, they also claim that the source of the hack is from outside India.
It is currently unknown how the leak affects Malaysia’s own Scorpene-class submarines; but the documents allegedly reveal sensor information, combat management systems, torpedo specifications, and communication and navigation systems. All this information is usually sealed for national security reasons, as it would provide third parties with the necessary knowledge to counter the weapons.
Chile and Brazil are also expected to be affected by the leak. The Chilean Navy has been operating the Scorpene-class since 2003; while Brazil has commissioned four submarines which are expected to be delivered in 2018.
[Source: Indian Express, Ars Technica]
