The Indian Navy has recently gained an addition to its fleet with the commissioning of the third stealth Scorpene class submarine, INS Karanj, at the Naval Dockyard Mumbai. This marks a significant event in India’s maritime defense strategy, bolstering the Western Naval Command’s Submarine fleet. The submarine’s namesake, Karanj, finds its origins in the Karanja island, also known as Uran Island, located southeast of Mumbai Harbour.
Remembering INS Karanj’s Forebear
This isn’t the first time the Indian Navy has commissioned a submarine by the name INS Karanj. The original was of Russian origin and saw its commissioning take place in Riga within the formerly recognized USSR in 1969. This vessel served the nation faithfully over a span of 34 years, finally retiring in 2003.
Project 75: A Comprehensive Attack Submarine Program
Project 75 is a comprehensive initiative led by the Indian Navy that focuses on the construction of six Scorpene Class attack submarines. It enjoys broad support from the Department of Defence Production (Ministry of Defence) and the Indian Navy across its various stages of development. The Mazagon Dock limited (MDL), touted as the “Ship Builder to the Nation,” is overseeing the manufacturing process of these six Scorpene submarines. This assistance comes in the form of technology from France’s Naval Group under a USD 3.75 billion deal signed in October 2005. MDL holds a prestigious position as one of India’s leading Defence public sector undertaking shipyards operating under the Ministry of Defence.
The Series of Submarines Under Project 75
So far, the ongoing Project-75 has seen two submarines, Kalvari and Khanderi, being commissioned into the Indian Navy. The fourth Scorpene, Vela, has already begun its sea trials. The fifth Scorpene, known as ‘Vagir,’ saw its launch in November of 2020. Meanwhile, the sixth and final submarine in this series, Vagsheer, is being prepared for its assembly.
Key Features of Scorpene Class Submarines
The Class-75 Scorpene class submarines are powered by diesel-electric propulsion systems and are hailed as one of the most advanced submarines of their kind. They are capable of handling a wide range of missions that include anti-surface ship warfare as well as anti-submarine warfare. In addition, these submarines can perform intelligence gathering, mine laying, and area surveillance. Weighing at 1,500 tonnes and capable of reaching depths of up to 300m, they are considered significant assets to the Navy. This submarine series is the first modern conventional submarine series that the Navy has had in two decades after procuring INS Sindhushastra from Russia in July 2000. The Navy is also planning to install Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) modules on all the Scorpene submarines to enhance their endurance.
India’s Growing Reputation as a Submarine Building Nation
With the commissioning of the Karanj, India continues to solidify its status as a Submarine Building Nation. MDL plays an instrumental role in this regard, living up to its reputation as Warship and Submarine Builders to the Nation. All these efforts align perfectly with the Government’s current focus on Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, propelling the nation towards self-sufficiency.