The Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai today launched INS Vagsheer, the last of the six Scorpene-class submarines under Project 75. The submarine was launched by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar.

After launch, the submarine will undergo a comprehensive and rigorous set of tests and trials for more than a year to ensure that it is fully combat-ready.

"It will now undergo sea trials and will be commissioned after conducting trials for more than a year," said Ajay Kumar.

Named after sandfish, a deadly deep water sea predator of the Indian Ocean, the first submarine 'Vagsheer' was commissioned in December 1974. It was decommissioned in April 1997. The new submarine is the latest incarnation of its earlier version, as according to naval parlance a ship never ceases to exist.

According to an official statement, "in true nautical tradition, she (Vagsheer) finds a new incarnation, by the same name. Infused with a new life, by the Mazagon Dock, it is once again a very powerful predator of the deep, guarding the vast maritime interests of our nation.

"The state-of-art technology utilised in the Scorpene has ensured superior stealth features, including advanced acoustic absorption techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimised shape, and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision-guided weapons. Its stealth features give it an invulnerability, unmatched by most submarines.

Scorpene-class submarines can undertake multifarious missions such as anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance, etc. The submarine is designed to operate in all theatres, with means provided to ensure interoperability with other components of a naval task force. It is a strong platform, marking a generational shift in submarine operations.

"The Submarine (Vaghsheer) 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," the official statement said.

"With the launch of Vagsheer, India further cements its position as a Submarine Building Nation and MDL has more than lived up to its reputation as Warship and Submarine Builders to the Nation," it read further.

This is totally in sync with the current impetus of the Government towards 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

MDL has always been at the forefront of the nation's visionary and progressive indigenous warship building programme.

With Delhi and Kolkata class Destroyers, Shivalik class Stealth Frigates SSK submarines, and the Scorpene submarines under its belt, the history of modern-day MDL is synonymous with indigenous warship and submarine building in India MDL's contribution to national maritime security and nation-building continues with the currently ongoing construction of 03 in no. P-15B Visakhapatnam class Destroyers and 04 in no. P-17A Nilgiri class Stealth Frigates.

INS Kalvari, the first Scorpene class submarine was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the year 2017. In February, the sea trials for the fifth submarine commenced. INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi and INS Karang have already been commissioned.

Image source:  ANI