Project-75 involves indigenous construction of six submarines of Scorpene design

Vagir, the fifth indigenous Scorpene-class conventional submarine, was delivered to the Indian Navy on Tuesday. This is the third submarine delivered to the Indian Navy as part of Project-75 in a span of 24 months.

Launched on November 12, 2020, Vagir commenced its sea trials from February 1, 2022. It will soon be commissioned into the Indian Navy, enhancing its capability.

"It is a matter of great pride that she has completed all major trials including the weapon and sensor trials in the shortest time in comparison to the earlier submarines," the Ministry of Defence said.

The name 'Vagir' has been derived from INS Vagir - a Vela-class submarine from Russia that served in the Navy from 1973 to 2001.

Pointing out that submarine construction is an intricate activity, the ministry said that the construction of these submarines in an Indian yard is another step towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and enhances self-confidence in this field.

Project-75 involves indigenous construction of six submarines of Scorpene design. These submarines are being constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France.

The first scorpene-class submarine INS Kalvari was commissioned in 2017 followed by the INS Khanderi in September 2019. Last year, Project-75’s INS Karanj and INS Vela were inducted into the Indian Navy in Mumbai.

The sixth and last of the Scorpene-class submarines, Vagsheer, was launched into water in April 2022. It is expected to be delivered to the Navy by end 2023.

Scorpene-class submarines are a key asset for the Indian Navy and are capable of launching different kinds of torpedoes and missile systems. They are also equipped with a range of surveillance and intelligence gathering mechanisms.