Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Jan 23: The INS Vagir, the fifth submarine of the Kalvari Class was commissioned into the Indian Navy on Monday, giving a boost to the force’s prowess.
INS Vagir, which has been built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited here with technology transfer from France, was commissioned in a ceremony attended by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar.
It is said that the INS would give a boost to the force’s ISR capabilities and special operations.
Admiral Kumar, on the occasion, said, “Vagir is a lethal platform with a formidable weapon package. It is the third submarine introduced to the Navy in a span of 24 months. It is also a shining affidavit to the expertise of our shipyards to construct complex and complicated platforms.”
Kumar further added, “In the navy, it’s a time-honoured tradition that old ships and submarines never die. In keeping with the spirit, the submarine in front of us is a reincarnation of the former Vagir which served India and the Indian Navy for three decades.”
The Navy in their statements has said, “The submarine will boost the Indian Navy’s capability to further India’s maritime interests in deterring the enemy and conducting Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) to provide decisive blow in times of crisis”.
‘Vagir’ means sand shark, which represents stealth and fearlessness, two qualities synonymous with the ethos of a submariner, it said.
They further added, “INS Vagir is equipped with some of the best sensors in the world. Vagir’s weapons package includes sufficient wire-guided torpedoes and sub-surface to surface missiles to neutralise a large enemy fleet.”
The Navy continued in its statement that the submarine is also capable of launching marine commandos for special operations, while its powerful diesel engines can quickly charge batteries for a stealth mission. It also has a state-of-the-art torpedo decoy system for self-defence.
The navy further announced that six submarines are being constructed under Project-75.
Four submarines of the ongoing Project-75 Scorpene programme at MDL, including Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj and Vela have been already commissioned into the Indian Navy.
Meanwhile, the sixth submarine ‘Vagsheer’ will also undergo sea trials after launching.
