Step towards builder's Navy: Fifth Kalvari class submarine INS Vagir commissioned into Indian Navy

INS Vagir, the fifth Kalvari (Scorpene) class submarine built indigenously at Mazagon Dock was commissioned into Indian Navy on Monday.

Mumbai: Indian Navy commissioned its fifth Kalvari class submarine Vagir, in the presence of Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, on Monday. These submarines were built in India by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France. Four of the Kalvari class of submarines have already been commissioned into the Indian Navy.

"The submarine will boost the Indian Navy's capability to further India's maritime interests in deterring the enemy, and conducting Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) to provide decisive blow in the times of crisis," the Navy said. Describing Vagir as a "lethal platform" with a formidable weapons package and state-of-the-art stealth technology, Admiral Kumar said its capabilities and firepower will not only enhance the Navy's combat potential but also "add teeth" to the country's deterrence.

"This is no small achievement, and underscores the coming of age of India's shipbuilding industry, and the maturing of our defence ecosystem. It is also a shining testimony to the expertise and experience of our shipyards to construct complex and complicated platforms," the Admiral added.

MDL Chairman and Managing Director Narayan Prasad said that the Kalvari class submarine has completed sea trials in 11 months from February 2022, adding its commissioning comes at a very crucial time when the geopolitical environment demands that the country respond adequately to safeguard its national interest. The induction of Vagir into the Indian Navy is a shining example of making a very strong and determined foray towards the 'Make in India' initiative, Prasad added.

Equipped with some of the best sensors in the world, the INS Vagir's weapons package include sufficient wire guided torpedoes and sub-surface to surface missiles to neutralise a large enemy fleet, the Navy said. The submarine also has the capability of launching marine commandos for special operations, while its powerful diesel engines can quickly charge batteries for a stealth mission, the Navy added. For self defence, it has a state of the art torpedo decoy system, the Navy release added.

Lowest build time

The erstwhile Vagir was commissioned on Nov. 1, 1973 and undertook numerous operational missions including deterrent patrols. The submarine was decommissioned on 07 Jan 2001 after serving the nation for about three decades. Launched and named ‘Vagir’ on Nov. 12, 2020, the submarine in its new avatar has the distinction of having the lowest build time among all indigenously manufactured submarines till date.

She undertook her maiden sea sortie in February last year, marking the commencement of sea trials and has gone through a series of comprehensive acceptance checks and, stringent and demanding sea trials prior being commissioned. The submarine was delivered to Indian Navy by M/s MDL on Dec. 20, 2022.

Vagir -Ferocious Fifth

Vagir will boost the Indian Navy’s capability to further India’s maritime interests and is capable of undertaking diverse missions including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying and surveillance missions.

Vagir -Sand Shark

The Sand Shark represents ‘Stealth and Fearlessness’, two qualities that are synonymous with the ethos of a submariner. The induction of Vagir is another step towards the Indian Navy, consolidating its position as a builder’s Navy, as also reflects MDL’s capabilities as a premier ship and submarine building yard. (With PTI inputs)