Indian Navy sends Kalvari class submarine INS Vagir to Australia for first time.

According to a tweet published by the Australian Navy on August 20, 2023, the Indian Navy has sent for the first time its Kalvari class submarine INS Vagir. to Australia.
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Indian Kalvari class submarine INS Vagir. (Picture source: Australian Navy)

India and Australia have been strengthening their defense and security ties over the years. In recent times, their strategic relationship has been marked by regular joint naval exercises, such as AUSINDEX.

The two countries have been focusing on enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean region, with many states, including Australia, expecting India to play a more significant role in this domain. The partnership has seen a discernible upturn with increased interactions between their maritime forces.

Technical data

The INS Vagir (S25) is the fifth of six Kalvari-class submarines commissioned for the Indian Navy. Based on the Scorpène design by France's Naval Group, it was constructed at Mumbai's Mazagon Dock Limited.

This diesel-electric attack submarine has a displacement of 1,615 tonnes surfaced and 1,775 tonnes submerged. Measuring 67.5 meters in length, it's powered by four MTU 12V 396 SE84 diesel engines and 360 battery cells, with a DRDO PAFC Fuel Cell AIP set for a mid-life refit.

The Vagir can reach speeds of 11 knots surfaced and 20 knots submerged. Its range is 6,500 nautical miles surfaced at 8 knots and 550 nautical miles submerged at 4 knots.

With an endurance of 50 days and a test depth of 350 meters, she accommodates 8 officers and 35 sailors. For defense, INS Vagir is equipped with the C303/S anti-torpedo system and is armed with six 533 mm torpedo tubes, capable of holding 18 SUT torpedoes or SM.39 Exocet missiles, and can carry 30 mines in lieu of torpedoes.