The majestic “Khanderi” slid gracefully into the Arabian Sea on Thursday, thus marking the launch of second of the Indian Navy’s Scorpene-class stealth submarine and paving the way for her sea trials.
Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre “launched” Khanderi into the sea in the presence of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil lanba and a host of other dignitaries at a ceremony held at the Mazagon Dock Shipyard limited (MDl) here.
Khanderi is the second of six Kalvari-class submarines built by the MDl in collaboration with Messrs DCNS of France. She is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy by the end of this year. She has been christened after her illustrious predecessor, an erstwhile ‘Foxtrot’ class submarine decommissioned in 1989, which is as per the traditions of Indian Navy.
The first of the Kalvari-class submarine is currently undergoing sea trials and likely to be commissioned into Navy by mid 2017. These submarines, post induction, would form the core of Navy’s conventional Submarine Arm.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhamre said that Project 75 Kalvari was a key milestone in self reliance and indigenisation for the country.
Admiral lanba, during his address, said that the fact that Submarine ‘Khanderi’ compared with the best in the world and its launch spoke highly of the experience and expertise the country’s shipbuilders have gained over the years. “Since the Indian Navy celebrates Golden Jubilee of the submarine arm in 2017, the induction of Project 75 submarines will mark the beginning of a new chapter in our submarine capabilities,” he said.
Khanderi’s launch also marks a critical milestone event for the Shipyard which earlier has delivered two Shishumar class submarines in the 90’s and has now strengthened its position as a submarine building yard for Indian Navy.
Started as a small dry dock facility for East India Company, MDl has established itself as a forefront Defence Public Sector Undertaking, with indigenous construction of several ships and submarines for Navy such as P 15B destroyers and P 17A class stealth Frigates being the latest.
The state-of-art features of the Khanderi 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.
Khanderi 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.