INS Vagir, the fifth Kalvari class submarine was commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 23, 2023, the class of submarine that would boost the Indian Navy’s capability to further India’s maritime interests in deterring the enemy, and conducting Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).
The Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France, built the submarine. Vagir has the distinction of having the lowest build time among all indigenously manufactured submarines to date. Four of the Kalvari class of submarines have already been commissioned into the Indian Navy.
GLORIOUS PAST AND INCEPTION
The erstwhile Vagir was commissioned on 01 Nov 1973 and undertook numerous operational missions including deterrent patrols. The submarine was decommissioned on January 7, 2001 after serving the nation for about three decades.
Launched and named ‘Vagir’ on November 12, 2020, the submarine in its new avatar had undertook her maiden sea sortie in February 2022, marking the commencement of sea trials and has gone through a series of comprehensive acceptance checks and, stringent and demanding sea trials prior being commissioned.
The submarine was delivered to Indian Navy by M/s MDL on Deember 20, 2022.
VAGIR – SAND SHARK
Vagir is named after Sand Shark, which represents ‘Stealth and Fearlessness’, two qualities that are synonymous with the ethos of a submariner. The Sand Shark represents ‘Stealth and Fearlessness’, two qualities that are synonymous with the ethos of a submariner.
The induction of Vagir is another step towards the Indian Navy, consolidating its position as a builder’s Navy, as also reflects MDL’s capabilities as a premier ship and submarine building yard.
STATE-OF-ART TECHNOLOGY
Vagir is equipped with some of the best sensors in the world. It also comes up with sufficient wire guided torpedoes and sub-surface to surface missiles.
The submarine also has the capability of launching marine commandos for special operations, while its powerful diesel engines can quickly charge batteries for a stealth mission.
The submarine is designed to operate in all theatres of operation, showcasing interoperability with other components of a Naval Task Force.
The Submarine can launch attackswith both torpedoes and tube launched anti-ship missiles, whilst underwater or on surface. It can undertake multifarious types of missions i.e Anti-Surface warfare, Anti-Submarine warfare, Intelligence gathering, Mine Laying and Area Surveillance.
