The Indian Navy launched the sixth and last submarine of the Kalvari class submarines under Project-75

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The sixth and last of the French Scorpène-class submarines,  Vagsheer, was launched at the Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.

• The 'Vagsheer' submarine was commissioned by Mrs. Veena Ajay Kumar, wife of Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, in keeping with the naval traditions of a woman's launch or naming.

• This Scorpene class submarine will undergo sea trials for about 1 year, after which it will be inducted into the Indian Navy after successful completion.

• INS Vagshir is named after a deadly predatory fish found in the depths of the Indian Ocean.

• These submarines have been built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in collaboration with France Naval Group in Mumbai.

• The first 'Vagshir' submarine was commissioned in the Indian Navy in December 1974 and was decommissioned in April 1997.

• The new Vagshir submarine is the latest incarnation of its older version.

• The other five submarines to come from the Kalvari class

–INS Kalvari -It was launched on 27 October 2015 and commissioned on 14 December 2017.

–INS Khanderi –It was launched on 12 January 2017 and commissioned on 28 September 2019

–INS Karanj – It was launched on 31 January 2018 and commissioned on 10 March 2021.

–INS Vela - It was launched on May 6, 2019 and commissioned on November 25, 2021.

–INS Vagir – It was launched on November 12, 2020 and sea trials have started from February 2022.

• Features of Scorpene class submarines

–The Scorpene class submarines are ensured with enhanced features such as advanced acoustic silencing technology, low radiative noise level, hydro-dynamically optimised shape and the ability to strike the enemy with precision weapons.

–These Scorpene-class submarines can attack the enemy with both torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship missiles, both underwater or on the surface.

–Scorpene submarines can perform a variety of missions, such as anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance, etc.

• Project 75-India

—Project 75 intends to build six diesel-electric attack submarines of the Kalvari class that are based on the Scorpene-class, which are being built at MDL (Mazagon Dock Limited).

—Project 75 (I), approved in 2007, is part of the Indian Navy’s 30 year Plan for indigenous submarine construction.