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Vagir: Submarine Under Project-75 Launched

Indian Navy's weaponry is poised to be bolstered with the INS Vagsheer, the first of a planned six Scorpene-class submarines under Project-75.

INS Kalvari, INS Karang, INS Khanderi, and INS Vela, four submarines under Project 75, have been commissioned into the Indian Navy. INS Vagir, the series’ fifth submarine, is currently undergoing sea trials and is expected to be delivered this year. Technical support from France is being used to complete the project. Kumar stated that INS Vagsheer would undertake a year-long series of rigorous testing and trials to guarantee that it is combat-ready after its debut. According to the top official, the submarine improves maritime security for the nation and serves as an example of self-reliance.

What are they capable of and where do they come from?

Submarines may be used for various purposes, including minelaying and area monitoring, according to an official. Viagra takes its name from the dangerous Indian Ocean deep water predator known as the Sand Fish. It was on December 3, 1973, that the Indian Navy received its first Vagir submarine, a Russian-built submarine that served the country for about three decades until it was decommissioned on June 7, 2001, after nearly 3 decades of service in the country.

The Indian Navy has begun testing the fifth submarine in its Project 75 programme

The Kalvari class submarine under Project 75, Yard 11879, of the Indian Navy’s Kalvari class, began naval exercises on February 1. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. ‘s Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin fired up the submarine in November 2020 and sent it sailing. Viagra would be the submarine’s name when it was put into service. As per a statement from the Navy, An important milestone has been reached by Mumbai-based MDL, which despite the COVID-19 epidemic, has launched two submarines of Project 75 in 2021 and begun sea testing of the fifth submarine.

After this, the submarine will be put through rigorous sea trials to test every component, from propulsion to weaponry to sensors. Indian Navy project 75 delivery is expected for 2022. When the submarine completes these trials, this new tidbit was added

How would the Indian Navy benefit from the Scorpene-class submarine?

In addition to their stealth capabilities, the Scorpene-class submersibles are incredibly powerful vehicles. Its long-range guided torpedoes plus anti-ship weapons are complemented by advanced SONAR and sensor suites, which allow for exceptional operating capabilities in various environments. Her lengthy and distinguished service included more than just serving as a practice field for future submariners. A national treasure for 37 years, it was decommissioned on January 25, 2010, after a distinguished service career.

Submarines of the Scorpene Class 

DCN and Navantia are the two companies that worked together to create these diesel-electric submarines, which the Naval Group in France is presently manufacturing. It uses a combination of diesel and air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems to propel itself.

What is AIP, and how does it work?

Non-nuclear submarines that can function without access to air oxygen are known as AIPs. Non-nuclear boats may use it to supplement or replace their diesel-electric propulsion systems.

Regarding the Scorpène-class submarines, the latest submarine of India

The Naval Group has developed Scorpène, a conventional submarine for the export market. Both the Naval Group’s capacity to produce the greatest submarines in the world and its capacity to apply technology successfully is shown by this project. Scorpène submarines are currently in service or under construction for the Chilean Navy, Indian Navy, Malaysian Navy, and Brazilian Navy. The Scorpène design may be tailored to meet the needs of any fleet. Due to its bigger crew and increased patrol range, the Brazilian Scorpène can traverse greater distances.

There’s no better choice than Scorpène when it comes to activity and operational efficiency. It’s an ocean-going latest submarine of India that can also operate in shallow seas. With a wide range of capabilities, it may be used for anything from anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare to special operations and minelaying. Scorpène is an advanced fast-attack submarine that incorporates upgrades from the French Barracuda-Class.

What are the current initiatives that are in progress?

P-75 has already produced three Kalvari Class Scorpene submarines from its six-submarine programme. The P-75I has not yet taken off; the initial Request for Information was submitted in 2008, then in 2010, and the Tender process was eventually released. Since its conception in 2015, India’s Strategic Partnership Model is kicking off with this initiative, which will be its first. The government will award the contract to an Indian Strategic Collaborate, which would subsequently partner with an original foreign equipment manufacturer (OEM).

 There are still a few bids that haven’t been settled. It’s expected that the first submarine built as part of the project will be operational by the year 2032. P-75 was also put on hold. Instead of being commissioned in 2012, the first boat was put into service at the end of 2017.

Conclusion

Moreover, Torpedoes and anti-ship missiles may be used in the strike, MDL stated, whether it takes place below or on the surface. This powerful platform’s underwater signatures have been extensively analysed, contributing to its overall stealth. This invulnerability is unsurpassed by most submarines because of the stealth capabilities it was added to. There are no limits on where the submarine may be deployed; it can work seamlessly with other naval task force elements. As a result, India has established itself as a submarine-building country with the successful launch of Vagir.

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