INS Vaghsheer: Final Scorpene Submarine Delivered to Navy

Why in the news?

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited delivered INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and last Scorpene-class submarine, to the Indian Navy. Featuring advanced stealth and combat capabilities, it marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime defense achievements.

INS Vaghsheer: Final Scorpene Submarine Delivered to Navy

About the delivery of INS Vaghsheer:

  • The sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine, Vaghsheer, was handed over to the Indian Navy by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) on January 9, 2025.
  • Vaghsheer, launched on April 20, 2022, underwent rigorous tests and trials to ensure its combat readiness.
  • The Acceptance Document was signed by key officials, including Sanjeev Singhal (CMD, MDL) and Rear Admiral R. Adhisrinivasan.

Significance for India’s Maritime Capabilities

  • Vaghsheer can perform anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and area surveillance across all operational theaters.
  • With its delivery, India reaffirms its position among elite submarine-building nations.
  • MDL now has the capacity to build 10 warships and 11 submarines concurrently, contributing to India’s growing maritime defense needs.

About the Project 75:

  • Initiation: Started in 1997 to build indigenous diesel-electric submarines.
  • Phases: Phase I focused on submarine construction at MDL; Phase II aimed at expanding indigenous capabilities.
  • Progress: Six Kalvari-class submarines completed due to budget constraints.

Project 75I Features

  • Upgrades: Enhanced stealth, AIP technology for longer underwater endurance.
  • Indigenisation: Increasing from 45% to 60% in construction.
  • MSME Growth: Boosts local manufacturing for submarine components.

Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)

  • Technology: Enhances endurance using fuel cells.
  • DRDO Role: Indigenous AIP system developed for Kalvari-class submarines.

About INS Vagsheer (S26):

  • Sixth Kalvari-class diesel-electric attack submarine for the Indian Navy, designed by Naval Group (France) and built by MDL (India).
  • Features advanced stealth, area surveillance, intelligence gathering, and precision-guided weapons.
  • Named after INS Vagsheer (S43), a Vela-class submarine (1974–1997).

About Kalvari-Class:

  • Diesel-electric submarines based on Scorpène-class design.
  • Built by MDL in Mumbai, with names derived from India’s first submarines.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times