India believes unnamed foreign hackers, probably state-sponsored, are responsible for a massive hack that stole top secret information about the combat capabilities of the fleet of six Scorpene diesel-electric attack submarines being built for the Indian Navy by French defense contractor DCNS Group.

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"I understand there has been a case of hacking, we will find out what has happened," said Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar.

The ministry said it's investigating the impact of the leak on the submarine program. It believes the hack occurred from abroad but gave no details. Suspicion, however, if falling on either China or Russia.

"The available information is being examined at Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defense (Navy) and an analysis is being carried out by the concerned specialists," the ministry said in a statement.

"It appears that the source of leak is from overseas and not in India."

An Australian newspaper first reported the leak a few days ago of 22,000 pages detailing the subs' top-secret capabilities. Redacted excerpts published by the paper on its website revealed top secret details about the submarine, including technical manuals and models of the boat's antennae.

The stolen documents also gave detailed data about the Scorpene's underwater sensors, air/surface sensors, combat management system, torpedo launch system and specifications, communications and navigation systems.

The submarines are being built at a state-run shipyard in Mumbai by DCNS. The first sub, the INS Kalvari, should enter service this September, the first step in the Indian Navy's effort to rebuild its ageing surface and submarine fleets.

The Indian Navy operates 13 outdated submarines. Experts estimate only half this number are operational at any time, a weakness India can ill afford since China is aggressively expanding its maritime presence in the Indian Ocean, which India considers its backyard.

Analysts said whoever hacked the data now understands everything about the submarines. One analyst said the hack is devastating to India's national security.

DCNS, however, won't rule out that the leak was part of an "economic war" waged by the competitors it beat.

Scorpene-class subs are operated by the Malaysian, Chilean and Brazilian navies. They have a range of over 1,000 kilometers submerged and feature superior stealth technology.

India chose the Scorpène design in 2005, purchasing six submarines for $500 million per boat. The first Scorpène submarine, the INS Kalvari, began sea trials in April 2015 and will be delivered in September 2016.

INS Kalvari is armed with heavyweight torpedoes and can also launch precision-guided weapons such as the famed Exocet anti-ship missile.

TagsIndia, Scorpene, DCNS Group, hack, Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar, Indian Navy, china, INS Kalvari