What has happened to the Indian Navy's Scorpene submarine?

The Indian Navy's Scorpène-class submarines, known as the Kalvari class, represent a significant leap in India's maritime defense capabilities.

A safe and secure maritime environment is essential for the nation's economic and strategic interests

The Genesis of the Scorpène-Class Submarines:

In the late 1990s, recognizing the need to modernize its aging submarine fleet, the Indian Navy embarked on an ambitious plan to induct new-generation submarines. This led to the inception of Project 75, under which six Scorpène-class submarines were to be constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, in collaboration with France's Naval Group (formerly DCNS). The primary objective was to bolster India's underwater warfare capabilities and achieve self-reliance in submarine construction.

Construction and Commissioning Milestones:

The journey of the Kalvari class has been marked by significant milestones:

INS Kalvari (S21): The lead submarine of the class, INS Kalvari, was commissioned on December 14, 2017. Its induction marked India's re-entry into the elite group of nations capable of designing and building submarines.
INS Khanderi (S22): Following Kalvari, INS Khanderi was commissioned on September 28, 2019. Named after a dreaded swordfish, Khanderi added substantial firepower to the Navy's arsenal.
INS Karanj (S23): Commissioned on March 10, 2021, INS Karanj carries forward the legacy of its predecessor, which served the nation from 1969 to 2003.
INS Vela (S24): Inducted on November 25, 2021, INS Vela is the fourth submarine of the class, enhancing the Navy's operational flexibility.
INS Vagir (S25): Commissioned on January 23, 2023, INS Vagir is known for its stealth and offensive capabilities.
INS Vagsheer (S26): The sixth and final submarine of the initial batch, INS Vagsheer, was commissioned on January 15, 2025. Its induction marks the culmination of Project 75, showcasing India's shipbuilding capabilities.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities:

The Kalvari-class submarines are designed for a range of missions, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, and area surveillance. Key features include:

Stealth: Advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels, and a hydrodynamically optimized design make these submarines extremely stealthy.
Armament: Equipped with six torpedo tubes, they can launch torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, both while submerged and on the surface.
Sensors: Integrated with state-of-the-art sonar and combat management systems, they offer enhanced situational awareness.
Endurance: While primarily diesel-electric, plans are underway to retrofit these submarines with an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which will allow them to stay submerged longer, enhancing their stealth and operational range.

Strategic Significance:

The induction of the Kalvari-class submarines has significantly bolstered India's maritime capabilities. Operating in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region (IOR), these submarines serve as a potent deterrent against adversaries, ensuring maritime security and safeguarding India's interests. Their stealth and advanced weaponry make them formidable assets in naval warfare.

Recent Developments:

In a significant boost to the Navy's capabilities, India and France have agreed to manufacture three additional Scorpène-class submarines in Mumbai. This agreement was confirmed following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. The new submarines are expected to feature advanced technologies, including the integration of the DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, enhancing their operational capabilities.

Challenges and the Way Forward:

While the Kalvari-class submarines have enhanced India's naval capabilities, the journey has not been without challenges. Delays in construction, cost overruns, and the need for technological upgrades have been areas of concern. The recent agreement to build additional submarines aims to address some of these challenges by incorporating advanced technologies and increasing indigenous content.

Conclusion:

The Kalvari-class submarines symbolize India's strides towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing and its commitment to securing its maritime interests. As these submarines continue to patrol the depths of the Indian Ocean, they stand as a testament to India's growing maritime prowess and strategic foresight.

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