INS Vagir “Deadly Platform With Formidable Weapon Package”: Navy Chief

Mumbai:

INS Vagir, the fifth of the Kalvari-class submarines, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on Monday, giving a boost to the prowess of the force. INS Vagir, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai with transfer of technology from France, was launched at a function attended by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar.

The Navy said, “The submarine will boost the Indian Navy’s capability to advance India’s maritime interests in deterring the enemy and conduct Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) to strike the decisive blow in times of crisis.” “

‘Vagir’ meaning sand shark, represents stealth and fearlessness, two qualities synonymous with the ethos of a submarine.

Describing Vagir as a “lethal platform” with a formidable weapons package and state-of-the-art stealth technology, Admiral Kumar said its capability and firepower will not only enhance the Navy’s combat capability, but will also “add teeth” to the country’s deterrence. .

Admiral Kumar said Vagir would be the third submarine to be commissioned into the Navy in a short span of 24 months.

The Admiral said, “This is no small achievement, and underlines the coming era of India’s shipbuilding industry and the maturity of our defense ecosystem. It leverages the expertise and experience of our shipyards to build complex and intricate platforms. There is also a shining proof.” Added.

MDL Chairman and Managing Director Narayan Prasad said that Vagir has completed sea trials in 11 months from February 2022, its commissioning comes at a very crucial time when the geopolitical environment demands that the country pursue its national interests Respond adequately to the defence.

Shri Prasad said that apart from adding further strength to the prowess of the Indian Navy, induction of Vagir into the Indian Navy is a shining example of making a very strong and determined effort towards the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Equipped with some of the world’s best sensors, INS Vagir’s weapon package includes enough wire-guided torpedoes and surface-to-surface missiles to neutralize a large enemy fleet, the Navy said.

The Navy said the submarine also has the capability to launch Marine commandos for special operations, while its powerful diesel engines can quickly charge batteries for stealth missions.

It has a state-of-the-art torpedo decoy system for self-defense, a Navy release said.

INS Vagir has been inducted amid the growing presence of the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean.

The last of the Kalvari submarines, the Vagshir, is in an advanced stage of construction and is being prepared to undertake its maiden surface voyage in March-April.