The Indian Navy is set to commission the fifth Kalvari class submarine, named “Vagir,” into its fleet. The commissioning ceremony is expected to take place in the coming weeks, with top naval officials and dignitaries in attendance. The Kalvari class, also known as the Scorpene class, is a group of diesel-electric submarines designed by French naval defense company DCNS and built by Indian state-owned shipyard Mazagon Dock Limited. These submarines are designed for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, as well as intelligence gathering and special operations. With a length of around 67 meters and a displacement of around 1,500 tons, the Kalvari class submarines are capable of reaching speeds of up to 20 knots and diving to depths of around 300 meters.
The commissioning of Vagir will bring the total number of Kalvari class submarines in the Indian Navy to five, with one more set to join the fleet in the near future. The first four submarines of the class, named Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, and Vela, were commissioned into the Indian Navy between December 2017 and January 2021. The addition of these submarines to the Indian Navy’s arsenal will bolster the country’s maritime defense capabilities and enhance its ability to operate in the Indian Ocean region. With an increasing number of countries expanding their naval presence in the region, the commissioning of Vagir is a significant step towards ensuring India’s security and strategic interests in the region.
The submarines are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and advanced weapons systems, including torpedoes, missiles, and mines. The submarines are also equipped with an advanced combat management system that integrates all the sensors and weapons on board, allowing for effective situational awareness and decision-making. The old Vagir was put into service on November 1st, 1973, and carried out several operational tasks, such as patrols for deterrence. The submarine served the country for approximately three decades before being decommissioned on January 7, 2001.
The submarine, which had the name “Vagir” when it was launched on November 12, 2020, holds the distinction of having the quickest build time of all submarines that have been produced domestically to date. Before being commissioned, she underwent a number of thorough acceptance inspections as well as rigorous and arduous sea testing. Her first sea sortie occurred on February 22, signalling the start of the sea trials. M/s MDL handed the submarine to the Indian Navy on December 20, 2022.