In a move that will further boost the Indian Navy’s capabilities, Vela — the fourth Scorpene class submarine constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL) for the Navy — was launched at the Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin of the MDSL here on Monday.
Veena Ajay Kumar, wife of Dr Ajay Kumar, Secretary, Def-ence Production, who was the chief guest on the occasion, launched the submarine, in the presence of Vice Admiral AK Saxena.
The submarine was towed to Mumbai Port Trust (MBT) for separation from the pontoon, after which she will undergo rigorous trials and tests, both in harbour and at sea before delivery to the Indian Navy.
‘Vela’ is one of the six Scorpene-class submarines are being built by the MDSL in collaboration with M/s Naval Group (formerly DCNS) of France Messrs DCNS of France. These submarines, post induction, would form the core of Navy’s conventional Submarine Arm.
The state-of-art features of the Scorpene-class submarines 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.
They are 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.
Cmde Rakesh Anand, Chairman and Managing Director, MDSL said on the occasion that the launch of the P15 B Destroyer ‘Imphal’ on April 20, and the subsequent launch of Rs Vela’ were indeed some of the major events his organisation so far this year.
Monday’s event reaffirmed the steps taken by MDSL in the ongoing ‘Make In India’ programme, which is being actively implemented by the Department of Defence Production (MoD).
Currently, eight warships and five submarines are under construction at MDSL which was one of the India’s leading shipyards with a capacity to meet requirements of the Indian Navy.
The Scorpene class of submarines can undertake multifarious tasks typically undertaken by any modern submarine which include anti-surface as well as anti-submarine warfare. The transfer of technology involves appropriate technical support by Naval Group to MDSL in the field of construction, integration and tests of the submarines in India which is achieved through transfer of technical data package to MDSL through information system as well as on job training to MDSL’s personnel on critical technologies.
Leveraging the experience and the transfer-of-technology of the Scorpene project, with enhanced and upgraded infrastructure, MDSL, is ready for undertaking construction of the future submarines.