Indian Navy's fifth Scorpene submarine Vagir launched: All you need to know

Indian Navy's fifth Scorpene submarine Vagir launched: All you need to know, Indian Navy's fifth Scorpene submarine 'Vagir' was launched on Thursday.

NEW DELHI: Indian Navy's fifth Scorpene submarine 'Vagir' was launched on Thursday at Mumbai's Mazagon Dock.

According to an official statement, Union minister of state for defence, Shripad Naik launched the fifth Scorpene class submarine 'Vagir' of Project 75 in Arabian sea waters at Mazagon Dock, in Mumbai through video conferencing today.

Scorpene Submarine Vagir is part of the six Kalvari-class submarines being built in India. The submarines, designed by French naval defence and energy company DCNS, are being built as part of Indian Navy's Project-75.

Here is a look at some of the details of the newly-launched Scorpene submarine:

1. Class of six

INS Vagir is the fifth of six Scorpene-class submarines being built in India (at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, a PSU).

The ship is designed by French naval company Direction des Constructions Navales (DCNS) as part of Indian Navy's Project-75.

2. Capabilities

Anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying and area surveillance. The submarine is designed to operate in all theatres of operation, showcasing interoperability with other components of a Naval Task Force, MDL said.

3. Naming

Vagir is named after the sandfish, a deadly deep-sea predator of the Indian Ocean.

4. The second Vagir

The first Vagir, a sub from Russia, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1973 and decommissioned in 2001.

Two submarines of the ongoing Project-75 Scorpene programme at MDL, Kalvari and Khanderi, have been commissioned into the Indian Navy. One of these submarines, Karanj, is in the last phase of rigorous sea trials.

The fourth Scorpene, Vela, has commenced her sea trials, whilst the sixth and last submarine, Vagsheer, is being readied for boot together.

5. Stealth factor

Scorpene submarines have advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low-radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimised shape. They can launch attacks using precision-guided weapons. The attack can be launched with both torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship missiles, whilst underwater or on the surface, MDL said.

"The stealth of this potent platform is enhanced by the special attention to her characteristic underwater signatures. These stealth features give it an invulnerability, unmatched by most submarines," it said.

6. The timeline

○ In 2005, India signed Scorpene deal for $3 billion.
○ In 2009, the construction work started at Mazagon Dock.
○ In 2015, the first submarine was launched.

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