Construction of the first, second and third submarine commenced in December 2006, December 2007 and August 2008, respectively.

Seconding Defence Minister A.K. Antony's observation on the delivery of the submarine, the report said: 'The contract activities for submarines are lagging behind schedule. As against envisaged achievement of 27.43 percent uptill December 2008, a mere 9.34 percent progress has been achieved.'

On Monday, Antony told parliament that the delay in the delivery of the French Scorpene submarines would adversely impact the underwater capability of the Indian Navy.

He said the slippage in the delivery schedule is expected on account of some teething problems, absorption of technology and delays in augmentation of industrial infrastructure and procurement of Mazgaon Docks Limited (MDL) purchased materials (MPM).

Delay in the scheduled delivery of submarines is likely to have an impact on the envisaged submarine force levels, he said.

Under a 20-year submarine perspective plan, the Indian Navy intends to acquire 24 submarines by the year 2020.