New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate three frontline naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—to the nation upon their commissioning at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The commissioning of three major naval combatants represents a pivotal step forward in India’s vision of becoming a global leader in defence manufacturing and maritime security.
INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene project, showcases India’s growing expertise in submarine construction. Mumbai based shipbuilding company Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) built the Kalvari-class submarine in collaboration with French naval defence and energy group Naval Group.
This submarine is named after the Vela-class submarine INS Vaghsheer of the Indian Navy, which was decommissioned in 1997 after 22 years of service. On April 20, 2022, INS Vaghsheer was launched and has undergone a slew of thorough and rigorous tests and trials to ensure the delivery of the submarine. INS Vaghsheer was delivered to the Indian Navy on January 9 this year.
💫Reborn, Stronger 💪🏻and Stealthier!⚓
🎥 Watch the remarkable legacy of #INSVaghsheer.
Mark the date 🗓️15 January 2025 ! The new Vaghsheer, a formidable submarine with unmatched pride is set to be commissioned soon.#IndianNavy #LegacyReborn #AatmanirbharBharat@Indiannavy… pic.twitter.com/cJEKcwt0pb
— IN (@IndiannavyMedia) January 7, 2025
What are main features and capabilities of INS Vaghsheer?
A fully combat-ready submarine, INS Vaghsheer is capable of operating in all modes and deployment conditions. It is a diesel-electric attack submarine, based on the Scorpene class design. Equipped with advanced weapon systems and enhanced operational capabilities, INS Vaghsheer is aimed to boost India’s underwater combat prowess. The Navy dubs it as a formidable submarine with unmatched pride.
The submarine is 67.5 meters long with a beam of 6.2 meters. It can reach a maximum speed of 11 knots (20 km/h) when surfaced and 20 knots (37 km/h) when submerged. It has a maximum diving depth of 350 meters and can remain at sea for up to 50 days.
The submarine also boasts of the capability to evade enemy radar, conduct area surveillance, and gather intelligence. It also has advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels, and a hydro-dynamically optimised shape. With these features, it has been hailed as one of the quietest submarines in the world. INS Vaghsheer is capable of launching precision-guided weapons, including 18 torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship missiles simultaneously, further strengthening its role in both offensive and defensive naval operations.
It is equipped with an advanced Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), which integrates various equipment, systems, and sensors into a unified platform. Besides, the Combat Management System (CMS) further enhances its operational effectiveness.
INS Vaghsheer features several enhancements over its predecessors, including indigenously developed systems like the air-conditioning plant, internal communication network, and Ku-Band SATCOM system. It is designed for a wide array of missions, ranging from anti-submarine warfare to intelligence gathering, and is fully equipped to operate in diverse maritime environments.
