India RFP for Midget Submarines

Sea Power magazine is confirming what has been discussed on some Indian Navy related forums, that a RFP has been sent to Larson and Toubro yard for a delivery of 4 new "Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDV)" If you recall, Larson and Toubro delivered a prototype midget submarine to the Indian Navy last year.

The SDVs Indian is looking to acquire are around 30 feet long and 5 feet diameter and are expected to cost $80 million each. Other requirements include a minimum life of 20 years, that they should also be able to operate at a depth of 60 meters and transit at 150 meters. The SDVs are designed to provide capabilities in anything from SOF, Strike, or Surveillance in shallow water, and intended to be operated from any of the conventional submarines used by the Indian Navy including the current Kilo and Tyoe 209s, and future Scorpene class.

According to Sea Power magazine, The SDVs would begin construction in 2009 and be completed by 2014, or sometime around then.

This leaves me wondering, where is the US Navy ASDS?