The Indian Navy will formally induct its fifth Kalvari class submarine ‘Vagir’ into the Navy on Monday.
This submarine was built in Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai under the Navy’s Project-75.
On December 20, the delivery of Vagir was given to the Indian Navy.
Equipped with modern features to hide from enemy radar, Vagir is being called a ‘state-of-the-art submarine and is being described as an example of Indian strategic capability.
#Vagir the 5th #Kalvari (Scorpene) class submarine built indigenously at @MazagonDockLtd to be commissioned into #IndianNavy on 23 Jan 2023.#INSVagir #FerociousFifth#AatmaNirbharBharat
Details ⬇️https://t.co/8tZlnVXMno@DefenceMinIndia @IndiannavyMedia@IN_WNC @DefPROMumbai pic.twitter.com/zpSplVMAWV
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 19, 2023
Earlier, four Kalvari class submarines have already been commissioned in the Indian Navy.
According to the Indian Navy, the Indian Navy first commissioned Vagir on November 1, 1973. This submarine carried out many missions. It was decommissioned in January 2001 after being in service for three decades.
After this, orders were given to re-induct it into the Navy fleet in a new and modern avatar in November 2020 under the new project. The Indian Navy claims that this is the first submarine to be built in India in the shortest possible time.
- According to the official website of the Indian Navy, Vagir’s many features make it capable of dealing with the enemy in any condition.
- It is believed that with the joining of Vagir, India’s maritime security will be further strengthened.
- This submarine can play an important role in many types of warfare, such as anti-surface, anti-submarine, intelligence and surveillance operations and it is efficient in laying mines in the sea.
- The Indian Navy has called it the ‘Sand Shark’ (specialist in attacking stealthily from the sight of the enemy) which reflects its qualities like strength and ability to attack.
‘Mormugao’, a P15B stealth guided missile destroyer, is ready to be commissioned into the Indian Navy.
I shall be in Mumbai today, 18th December, to attend the Commissioning Ceremony. Looking forward to it.@indiannavy pic.twitter.com/kp6shpfrWk
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 18, 2022
The construction of the sixth Kalvari class submarine under the Navy’s Project-75 is also going on at a fast pace. This one is designed by a French company.
According to the news agency PTI, a Navy officer said it will give India an edge in maritime security.
At the same time, the Indian Navy has said that Vagir, which showcases India’s domestic manufacturing capability, will prove to be another important arrow in its quiver. According to the Navy, it also shows the potential of MDL as a state-of-the-art ship and submarine building yard.
