Mumbai, September 29: To significantly enhance its underwater capabilities, the Indian Navy is set to commission Vagsheer, the sixth and final Kalvari-class submarine, in December 2024. Kalvari-class submarine Vagsheer is being built under the INR 23,562-crore Project 75.

The submarine, constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, is currently undergoing final trials, Hindustan Times reported, citing officials. The Kalvari-class (Scorpene) diesel-electric attack submarines, built with technology transfer from French firm Naval Group, are designed for a variety of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, special operations, and intelligence gathering. INS Arighaat Commissioned Into Indian Navy, Everything You Need To Know About India’s 2nd Nuclear Ballistic Submarine.

India in Talks With France for 3 Additional Submarines to Bolster Maritime Presence

India is also in discussions with France to construct three additional submarines at MDL to bolster its maritime presence in the Indian Ocean, where it faces strategic challenges from China's expanding influence.

In related developments, India commissioned its second indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighaat, on August 29 at Visakhapatnam. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that INS Arighaat will enhance India's nuclear triad, strengthen nuclear deterrence, and contribute to regional strategic balance. Arighaat, or S-3, is more advanced than its predecessor, INS Arihant (S-2). ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama’: 2 Indian Navy Women Officers To Embark on 8-Month Sailing Expedition Circumnavigating Globe Aboard ‘Tarini’ Starting October 2 (See Pics and Video).

The third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, Aridaman (S-4), is expected to be commissioned next year, followed by a fourth SSBN, codenamed S-4. These last two Arihant-class submarines are anticipated to be larger and capable of launching longer-range missiles. Additionally, the navy is planning to build two nuclear-powered conventionally armed submarines to further deter adversaries in the Indo-Pacific region.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 29, 2024 05:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).