In a development that will not only boost the Indian Navy’s capabilities but will also bring about a transformational shift in submarine operations, the fifth Scorpene submarine of Project-75 “Vagir” was launched at the Mazagon Dock here on Thursday.
With the launch of “Vagir” at the hands of Mrs Vijaya Shripad Naik through video conferencing in the presence of Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik as the chief guest, India has cemented its position as a Submarine Building Nation.
The development is in sync with the current impetus of the Government towards 'Make in India' and 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat'. The first two submarines of the Project-75 have been commissioned into the Navy and the third and fourth submarines are progressing their Sea Trials.
After its launch on Thursday, Vagir will commence with the setting to work of various equipment and the Harbour Acceptance Trials. The crew will subsequently sail the submarine for the Sea Acceptance Trials after which the submarine would be delivered to the Navy.
Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command - Vice Admiral RB Pandit, Chairman & Managing Director of MDL Vice Admiral Narayan Prasad and other Directors of MDL were among those present at the launching ceremony. Chief of Materials, Indian Navy, and CWP&A (Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition) Vice Admiral SR Sarma and Additional Secretary, Defence Industries Production Sanjay Jaju joined the function through video conferencing from
New Delhi.
Launched at the Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin of Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) the submarine is named 'Vagir'.
The newly launched submarine is christened after Vagir, an ex-Russia that had been named after the Sand Fish, a deadly deep sea predator of the Indian Ocean that was commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 3, 1973, and was later decommissioned on June 7, 2001, after almost three decades of yeoman service to the nation.
In true nautical tradition, the new incarnation “Vagir” is infused with new life, by Mazagon Dock, is once again a very powerful predator of the deep, guarding the vast maritime interests of our nation.
The state-of-the-art technology utilized in the rebuilt Scorpene has ensured superior stealth features (such as advanced acoustic absorption techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimised shape etc.) and the ability to launch an attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons. The attack can be launched with both torpedoes and tube launched anti-ship missiles, whilst underwater or on surface.
The stealth of this potent platform is enhanced by the special attention provided to her characteristic underwater signatures. These stealth features make her invulnerable, unmatched by most submarines.
Scorpene submarines can undertake multifarious types of missions i.e Anti-Surface warfare, Anti-Submarine warfare, Intelligence gathering, Mine Laying, Area Surveillance etc. The Submarine is designed to operate in all theatres of operation, showcasing interoperability with other components of a Naval Task Force. It is a potent platform, marking a transformational shift in submarine operations.