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The fifth Kalvari Class submarine, INS Vagir, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on Monday, adding to the force’s strength.
INS Vagir was commissioned in a ceremony attended by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, which was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited here with technology transfer from France.
“The submarine will boost the Indian Navy’s capability to further India’s maritime interests in deterring the enemy, and conducting Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) to provide decisive blow in the times of crisis,” the Navy said.
‘Vagir’ means sand shark, and it denotes stealth and fearlessness, which are consistent with the attitude of a submariner, according to the company.
The Navy claims that its weapons package, which includes enough wire guided torpedoes and subsurface to surface missiles to neutralise a major enemy fleet, is equipped with some of the greatest sensors in the world.
The submarine can also deploy marine commandos for special missions, and its strong diesel engines can swiftly charge batteries for a stealth mission, according to the Navy.
According to the Navy statement, it boasts a cutting-edge torpedo decoy system for self-defense.
The INS Vagir’s commissioning coincides with the Chinese Navy’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean.