The recent activity of the Defence Minister riding aboard the Scorpene class submarine, INS Khanderi, has brought this advanced piece of naval technology into the spotlight. This article aims to understand the key details about the Scorpene Class Submarine, its role in the Indian Navy and its various capabilities.
Sea Sortie on the INS Khanderi
In a recent event, the Defence Minister embarked on a sea sortie on the Scorpene class submarine ‘INS Khanderi’ from Karwar. The journey involved witnessing various operational drills; the submarine showcased its state-of-the-art sensor suite, combat system, and weapon capability. These features provide the vessel with a significant advantage in the subsurface domain.
What is a Scorpene Class Submarine?
The Scorpene Class consists of submarines deployed in Project-75, powered by diesel-electric propulsion systems. Known as one of the most advanced submarines, it is capable of executing multiple missions. These include anti-surface ship warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, and area surveillance. This class represents the Navy’s first modern conventional submarine series in almost two decades since INS Sindhushastra, procured from Russia in July 2000.
About Submarine Khanderi
Khanderi is a Kalvari class diesel-electric attack submarine, named after the deadly sawfish, Khanderi, found in the Indian Ocean. The Indian Navy commissioned the first Khanderi submarine on December 6, 1968, which served until it was decommissioned in October 1989. Other than Khanderi, the submarines Karanj, Vela, Vagir, Vagsheer, and Kavalari have already been launched.
The Kavalari Class of Submarine
The Kalvari class is based on the Scorpene-class submarines, built for the Indian Navy with diesel-electric attack capacity. Project-75 was approved by the Indian Defence Ministry in 1997, allowing the Indian Navy to acquire 24 submarines.
Understanding Project-75
Project-75 (P-75) is one of two submarine series, the other being P75I, approved in 1999. It forms part of a plan for indigenous submarine construction with technology sourced from overseas firms. The contract for building six submarines under P75 was awarded to Mazgaon dock in October 2005. Initially, the delivery was scheduled to begin from 2012, but has faced delays. This program involves a transfer of technology from the French company Naval Group (formerly known as DCNS), happening at the Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL).
