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2020-12-06

Indian Navy’s Fifth Scorpene Class Submarine Vagir Launched

In what is seen as a boost to the indigenous submarines construction programme of the Government of India, INS Vagir, the fifth P75 Scorpene class submarine entirely built by the Indian shipyard Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) based on years of technology transfer and partnership with Naval Group, was launched on November 12.

Vagir is named after the Sand Fish, a deep sea predator of the Indian Ocean.

Vijaya, wife of Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, launched the submarine through video conferencing.

After the recent commissioning of INS Khanderi in September 2019 and the launch of the INS Vela in May 2019, the Vagir is the fifth of the series of six Kalvari-class submarines ordered by India in 2005.

This series of six submarines are fitted with a number of equipment, built in India by qualified and highly trained industrial Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs) which form the sound base of the Indian submarine building ecosystem.

Alain Guillou, Senior EVP - International Development at Naval Group, explained: “Naval Group is proud to be part of first of its kind P75 Kalvari programme to deliver entirely ‘Made in India’ submarines to the Indian Navy. The P75 programme is a major element of the strategic Indo-French partnership developed over the last decades. This launch, amidst COVID-19 challenges, represents a new milestone for this unique industrial programme and illustrates the Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) of Indian Navy and industry.”

The Scorpene is a conventional-propulsion submarine designed and developed by Naval Group for all types of mission, such as surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, special operations or intelligence gathering.

Extremely stealthy and fast, its level of operating automation allows for a limited crew which reduces its operating costs significantly. Its combat edge is highlighted by the fact that it has 6 weapon launching tubes and 18 weapons (torpedoes, missiles, mines).

With 14 submarines sold internationally by Naval Group, the Scorpene is an essential reference product in the area of conventional attack submarines (SSK) for Navies across the world. It can be adapted to meet special needs of international navies.

Naval Group, is present in India through its 100 per cent subsidiary Naval Group India. Established in September 2008, Naval Group India’s mission has been to support the indigenisation of equipment for Scorpene submarine, to develop the Indian defence eco-system, as well as to develop design services in India with talented Indian engineers.

Naval Group India was established as DCNS India, a subsidiary. The name of the company ”DCNS India Private Limited” had been changed to “Naval Group India Private Limited” as approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

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