INS VAGHSHEER -UPSC Current Affairs

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Context

The sixth submarine of Project 75, Yard 11880, Indian Navy’s Kalvari class commenced her sea trials.

Background

The submarine was launched in 2022 from the Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
Vaghsheeris scheduled for Delivery to the Indian Navy in early 2024 after completion of these trial.
MDL has ‘Delivered’ three submarines of the Project – 75 in 24 months and the commencement of sea trials of the sixth submarine is a significant milestone. This is indicative of the boost towards AatmaNirbharBharat.

About INS Vagsheer (S26)

It is the sixth submarine of the first batch of six Kalvari-class submarines for the Indian Navy.
It is a diesel-electric attack submarine based on the Scorpène class, designed by French naval defence and energy group Naval Group and manufactured by Mazagon Dock Limited, an Indian shipyard in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Kalvari-class submarine is 221 feet long, 40 feet high, it has 20 kmph speed at sea surface level.

Roles

Capable of enemy radar evasion, area surveillance, intelligence gathering, advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimised shape.
Ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons.

Etymology

The submarine has been named after the INS Vagsheer (S43), a Vela-class submarine of the Indian Navy which was in service from 1974 to 1997.
Vagsheer refers to a type of sandfish found in the Indian Ocean.

About the Kalvari class

It is a class of diesel-electric attack submarines based on the Scorpène-class submarine being built for the Indian Navy.
The class and submarines take their names from the first submarines inducted in the Indian Navy.
The submarines are designed by French naval defence and energy company DCNS and are being manufactured by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai.

Project History

In 1997, Indian Ministry of Defence approved a plan to acquire 24 submarines under Project 75.
After the Kargil War in 1999, Cabinet Committee on Security approved a 30-year submarine building plan that called for two parallel production lines, each constructing six submarines.
The older Project 75 was brought under the new plan, with the two production lines to be built under Project 75 and Project 75I using transfer of technology from different foreign manufacturers.

Role

The Kalvari class is capable of offensive operations across the entire spectrum of naval warfare including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying and area surveillance.

Ships of the class