In a development that will mark a generational shift in technology involving submarine construction, the Indian Navy will launch the second of the Kalvari-class submarines “Khanderi” here on Thursday.
Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre will launch the Scorpene Submarine of Yard 11876– Khanderi–at the Mazagaon Dock Ship Builders limited (MDl) here. Admiral Sunil lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff will also be present on the occasion.
This submarine is named after Khanderi, an island-fort located south of Mumbai which was under the control of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji in the 17th century. Khanderi helped Marathas establish supremacy at sea in late 17th century. The island fort, which came to be renamed as Kanhoji Angre Island in 1998 in honour 0f Martha warrior General Kanhoji Angre.
The state-of-art features of the Scorpene include superior stealth and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons. The attack can be launched with torpedoes, as well as tube launched anti-ship missiles, whilst underwater or on surface. The stealth features will give it invulnerability, unmatched by many submarines.
The Scorpene submarine is designed to operate in all theatres including the tropics. All means and communications are provided to ensure interoperability with other components of a Naval Task Force.
The first Khanderi was commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 6, 1968 and decommissioned on October 18, 1989 after more than 20 years of yeoman service to the nation. In true nautical traditions, she will now be re-incarnated, by Mazagon Dock, once again a powerful predator of the deep, guarding the vast maritime interests and areas of India.
“The launching, and subsequent commissioning of Yard 11876 (Khanderi), not only marks a generational shift in technology, insofar as submarine construction in India is concerned, but also for submarine operations by the Indian Navy,” a Defence spokesperson said.
As is the case with Scorpene submarine, Khanderi can undertake multifarious types of missions typically undertaken by any modern submarine i.e Anti-Surface warfare, Anti-Submarine warfare, Intelligence gathering, Mine laying, Area Surveillance etc.
Between now and December 2017, the submarine will undergo rigorous trials and tests, both in harbor and at sea, while on surface and whilst dived. These trials are designed to test each system to its fullest capacity.
After the trials, she would to be commissioned into the Indian Navy as INS Khanderi. This would be preceded by the commissioning of Kalvari later this year. The other four submarines will follow in the wake of Khanderi at intervals of nine months.
Messrs DCNS of France is collaborating with M/s MDl in the construction of six submarine under an ongoing project. The construction of six submarines makes the Scorpene Project one of the largest such projects globally.