The Indian Navy received the 5th Scorpene-class submarine Project-75, known as INS ‘Vagir’. This diesel-electric attack submarine, Yard 11879, is part of the Kalvari class. When commissioned, it will proudly carry the name INS Vagir.
INS Vagir: An Overview
The first Vagir, a Russian made submarine, was incorporated into the Indian Navy on December 3rd, 1973. After providing nearly thirty years of service to the country, it was decommissioned on June 7th, 2001. The public shipbuilder, Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL), resurrected the pride of the submarine by assigning its name to this new model.
Named after the Sand Fish, a formidable deep-sea predator in the Indian Ocean, the latest INS Vagir is one of six Kalvari-class submarines constructed domestically. These submarines are equipped to handle various naval combat roles, including anti-warship and anti-submarine operations, intelligence collection, surveillance, and naval mine laying.
Advanced Technology and Features
The new generation INS Vagir uses cutting-edge technology which guarantees superior stealth attributes. It utilizes advanced acoustic absorption techniques, maintains low radiated noise levels, and features a hydro-dynamically optimized design. It is also capable of attacking enemies using precision-guided weapons.
The submarine can function in all theaters of operation, displaying interoperability with other elements of a Naval Task Force. It is armed to launch attacks using torpedoes and tube launched anti-ship missiles either underwater or on the surface. INS Vagir is versatile and can undertake a range of missions including Anti-Surface warfare, Anti-Submarine warfare, Intelligence gathering, Mine Laying, Area Surveillance, etc.
Significance of INS Vagir
The manufacturing of these submarines by an Indian shipyard signifies another stride towards self-reliant India or ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. It also boosts confidence in this domain. A noteworthy accomplishment is the delivery of three submarines to the Indian Navy in a timespan of just two years.
Understanding Project-75
Project-75 is a programme initiated by the Indian Navy to construct six Scorpene Class attack submarines. Scorpenes are conventionally powered submarines, weighing approximately 1,500 tonnes and capable of submerging up to depths of 300m. The Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is creating these six Scorpene submarines with technological assistance from France’s Naval Group. This initiative, under a USD 3.75 bn deal signed in October 2005, includes the indigenous construction of all submarines.
Progress of Project-75
The progress of Project-75 can be traced through the commissioning of the previous submarines. The first submarine, INS Kalvari, was inaugurated into the Indian Navy in December 2017. This was followed by the addition of the second submarine, INS Khanderi, in September 2019, and the third submarine, INS Karanj, in March 2021. The fourth submarine, INS Vela, joined the fleet in November 2021. The sixth and last submarine of this project, Vagsheer, is projected to be handed over to the Navy by the end of 2023.
