The Indian Navy’s Kalvary Class Scorpene submarine, ‘Vaghsheer’ began its sea trials. The submarine was launched from the Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) on April 20, 2022. It is the sixth scorpene submarine of Project-75, yard 11880. The submarine will now go through intense trials which include testing its sensors, weapons and propulsion systems at sea.
The name Vaghsheer is taken from the Sand Fish of the same name- a deadly deep sea predator found in the Indian ocean. After completion of these trials, Vaghsheer will be delivered to the Navy in early 2024.
So far, for Project 75, MDL has delivered three submarines in 24 months and the sea trial of the sixth submarine is a remarkable moment for furthering the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative. The first Vaghsheer submarine was commissioned into the Indian navy in 1974, they were, later, decommissioned in 1997, after three decades of them serving the nation.
With the launch of the submarine, India has proved its mettle yet again, as a Warship and Submarine building nation. MDL has further cemented its position as a premium builder for the country’s naval equipment.
Scorpene-Class Submarines
Scorpene submarines have high demand due to their State of Art Technology with their stealth features such as absorption techniques, ability to launch crippling attacks using precision-guided missiles, a hydro-dynamically optimised shape and low radiated noise levels.
INS Vaghsheer can operate in any environment taking into account all theatres of displaying interoperability with other components of the Naval Task Force.
PROJECT 75
Under the project, six modern conventional submarines are to be indigenously produced with latest sensors, equipment and weapons. The submarines will include advanced torpedoes, state of the art countermeasure systems, modern missiles and Fuel cell based Air Independent Propulsion Plant. As part of the project, the latest technology and submarine designs would be brought to the country. It will give a major boost to submarine construction capabilities which will further India’s self-reliance.
The aim of the project is to build India’s indigenous capabilities to design, manufacture and develop weapons for the armed forces in the future. The project holds a special significance as it does not confine to boosting core ship/submarine building manufactures but will immensely increase the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) industrial/manufacturing sector by creating an environment for the development of sub parts of the weapons as well.
Building indigenous weapons will not only help in the country’s economic and military growth, but will also improve the international standing of the nation. It will help better protect the nation against its neighbour.
