Why in news?
President Droupadi Murmu became only the second Indian head of state to undertake a submarine sortie when she boarded INS Vagsheer at the Karwar naval base. The visit underscored India’s growing under‑sea capabilities and coincided with public interest in the newly commissioned submarine.
Background
INS Vagsheer is the sixth and final submarine of the first batch of Kalvari‑class (also called Scorpène‑class) submarines built under Project 75 by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in collaboration with France’s Naval Group. The vessel was launched on 20 April 2022 and formally commissioned into the Indian Navy on 15 January 2025. It is named after the sandfish, a predatory fish found in the Indian Ocean.
Features
- Stealth design: The hull has an optimised hydrodynamic shape and advanced acoustic silencing techniques. Special coatings and a low radiated noise signature make Vagsheer one of the quietest diesel‑electric submarines.
- Dimensions and endurance: The submarine is about 67.5 metres long, displaces around 1,700 tonnes when submerged and can operate at sea for up to 50 days.
- Armament: Vagsheer carries six 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of launching SUT heavyweight torpedoes and Exocet anti‑ship missiles. It can also lay mines instead of torpedoes.
- Missions: The submarine can perform anti‑surface and anti‑submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance, area denial and special forces operations. Future upgrades may include an air‑independent propulsion module for longer underwater endurance.
- Crew: It carries eight officers and thirty‑five sailors. Living quarters, air‑conditioning and a Ku‑band satellite communications system support extended deployments.
Conclusion
The commissioning of INS Vagsheer completes the Indian Navy’s first batch of Kalvari‑class submarines. Together with its sister boats, the vessel strengthens India’s ability to secure sea lanes, deter adversaries and carry out underwater surveillance. Presidential visits like the recent sortie highlight the strategic importance of under‑sea forces and boost morale among sailors.
Sources: The Economic Times
