First Sea Sortie of sixth Scorpene Submarine ‘Vaghsheer’

The sixth and final Scorpene submarine of Project-75 of the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class, INS Vaghsheer, commenced her sea trials on Thursday, May 18.

The submarine was launched on April 20, 2022, from the Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). The Vagsheer is scheduled to be delivered to the Indian Navy in early 2024, following the completion of these trials.

MDL has delivered three Project-75 submarines in 24 months and the commencement of sorties for the sixth submarine is a significant milestone. The submarine will now undergo ‘intense’ trials of all its systems at sea, including propulsion, weapons, and sensors.

INS Vagsheer is named after a type of sandfish–a deadly deep-sea predator native to the Indian Ocean.

The first Submarine Vagsheer, from Russia, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 26 December 1974 and was decommissioned on 30 April 1997, after almost three decades of yeoman service to the nation.

The Scorpene utilises state-of-art technology which allows for superior stealth features, including advanced acoustic absorption techniques, low radiated noise levels, a hydro-dynamically optimized shape, and the ability to launch crippling attacks on enemy vessels using precision-guided weapons. According to an official statement, “The submarine [Vagsheer] is designed to operate in all theaters of operation, showcasing interoperability with other components of a Naval Task Force. It is a potent platform, marking a transformational shift in submarine operations.”

“With the launch of Vagsheer, India further cements its position as a Submarine-Building Nation and MDL has more than lived up to its reputation as Warship and Submarine Builders to the Nation,” it further read.