Mazagon Docks delivers Indian Navy’s fifth Scorpene class submarine, ‘Vagir’
20 Nov 2020
The Indian Navy on Thursday received the fifth Scorpene class submarine, `Vigir’, which is part of the six Kalvari-class submarines being built in India. The sixth Scorpene submarine has been named 'Vagsheer' while the previous ones were named as Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj and Vela – all built under French licence, as part of Indian Navy's Project-75.
‘Vagir’, built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, was launched by Vijaya Shripad Naik through video conferencing at a function presided by minister of state for defence Shripad Naik.
The new submarine is inspired by the Russia made Vagir, named after the Sand Fish, a deadly deep sea predator of the Indian Ocean, which was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 3 December 1973, and was decommissioned on 7 June 2001, after almost three decades of yeoman service to the nation.
The state-of-the-art technology utilised in the Scorpene reincarnation has ensured superior stealth features (such as advanced acoustic absorption techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimised shape etc) and the ability to launch an attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons. The attack can be launched with both torpedoes and tube launched anti-ship missiles, whilst underwater or on surface. The stealth of this potent platform is enhanced by the special attention provided to her characteristic underwater signatures. These stealth features give it an invulnerability, unmatched by most submarines.
Notably, Scorpene submarines can undertake multifarious types of missions, ie, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, Intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance etc. The submarine is designed to operate in all theatres of operation, showcasing interoperability with other components of a naval task force. It is a potent platform, marking a transformational shift in submarine operations.
With the launch of Vagir, India further cements its position as a submarine building nation and MDL has more than lived up to its reputation as 'Warship and Submarine Builders to the Nation' This is totally in sync with the current impetus for 'Make in India' and 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat'.
Two submarines of the ongoing Project-75 Scorpene programme at MDL, Kalvari and Khanderi, have been commissioned into the Indian Navy. The third submarine, Karanj, is in the last phase of rigorous sea trials. The fourth Scorpene, Vela, has commenced her sea trials, whilst the sixth and last submarine, Vagsheer, is being readied for boot together. The Scorpene project is given support by the Department of Defence Production (MoD) and Indian Navy throughout its various phases of construction.
MDL has been at the forefront of the nation's warship building programme. Till date, it has built Leander and Godavari class frigates, Khukri class Corvettes, Missile Boats, Delhi and Kolkata class Destroyers, Shivalik class Stealth Frigates, the SSK submarines and it continues to contribute to the national security with its P-15B Visakhapatnam class Destroyers and the P-17A class Stealth Frigates.