NEW DELHI, Oct. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- India Thursday signed a contract with France to acquire technology from the latter to build six sophisticated Scorpene submarines, according to the Indian Defense Ministry.

    The contract worth 3.5 billion US dollars, India's largest ever defense deal to acquire technology from foreign countries, was inked at the Indian Defense Ministry.

    Under the contract, France's DCN will supply technology and expertise for the six submarines to be built at state-run Mazagon Dockyards in Mumbai, Inida.

    The first submarine will be delivered within a year. The other five will be delivered on yearly intervals.

    The Indian Navy now reportedly has 16 submarines, including the HDW vessels and Russian-made Kilo-class submarines. Enditem