New Milestone In Scorpene Submarine Programme As 5th Boat Heads Out For Sea Trials

In a significant milestone in the ongoing Project 75 submarine construction programme, the fifth Scorpene-class attack submarine commenced sea trials on February 1.  

Four of the six Scorpene-class stealth submarines, designed and developed by the French Naval Group and contracted under Project 75 in 2005 and built at Mumbai’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), are already in operational service in the Indian Navy. These are the INS Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj and Vela. 

The fifth, which is now being put through sea trials, will be named Vagir after its commissioning. It was launched (its outer hull put into water) from MDL’s Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin in November 2020. 

“The submarine will now undergo intense trials of all its systems at sea, including propulsion systems, weapons and sensors. The submarine is scheduled for delivery to the Indian Navy in the year 2022 after completion of these trials,” the Indian Navy stated on February 2. 

Despite the COVID pandemic, MDL has delivered two submarines under Project - 75 in 2021, the Indian Navy acknowledged, expressing appreciation for India’s premier shipbuilder.   

The fourth of the six submarines, INS Vela, was commissioned as a warship in November 25, 2021 while the third, INS Karanj was commissioned on March 10, 2021. 

 (PTI)

Vishal Thapar

BW Reporters Group Editorial Head for BW’s Defence, Security & Police