India Navy to commission its fifth Kalvari class submarine Vagir in few days.

According to information published by the Indian government on January 19, 2023, Indian Navy is set to commission the fifth Kalvari class submarine Vagir on 23 Jan 2023, Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff will be the Chief Guest for the ceremony.
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Kalvari class submarine INS Vagir. (Picture source: Indian gov)

These submarines are being built in India by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France. Four of the Kalvari class of submarines have already been commissioned into the Indian Navy.

The erstwhile Vagir was commissioned on 01 Nov 1973 and undertook numerous operational missions including deterrent patrols. The submarine was decommissioned on 07 Jan 2001 after serving the nation for about three decades.

Launched and named ‘Vagir’ on 12 Nov 20, the submarine in its new avatar has the distinction of having the lowest build time among all indigenously manufactured submarines till date. She undertook her maiden sea sortie in Feb 22, 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 20 Dec 22.

Vagir will boost the Indian Navy’s capability to further India’s maritime interests and is capable of undertaking diverse missions including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying and surveillance missions.

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.

The INS Vagir is a 67.5-meter-long diesel-electric attack submarine, built under Project 75 of the Indian Navy. With a beam of 6.2 meters and a displacement of 1,565 tons when surfaced and 1,775 tons when submerged, the INS Vagir is a formidable vessel.

The submarine is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system and is capable of reaching speeds of over 20 knots (37 km/h) while submerged. It will have a crew of around 35 sailors.

With a range of 11,000 nautical miles at 8 knots surfaced and an endurance of 45 days, the INS Vagir is capable of extended operations at sea.