Navy starts sea trials of Kalvari class submarine Vaghsheer

The Indian Navy unveiled its sixth submarine under its Project 75. The naval vessel known as 'Vaghsheer' entered the sea for the first time on 18 May. It is being built by Mazagon Dock Ltd in Mumbai.

The Kalvari-class submarines are produced under the Scorpène Project-75 program. Vaghasheer is the sixth Scorpène-class submarine under this program. Rehearsals for Vaghasheer have already started on May 18. It is also predicted that by early 2024, the vessel may be officially inducted into the Indian Navy.

The naval arm of the Indian Defense Force now has three submarines commissioned under the indigenous construction program under Project 75 within 24 months. The last vessel is yet to be inducted after completion of trials by early 2024. These inductions will also act as an important catalyst in strengthening Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.

The Project 75 (India) or P75(I) class submarines are a planned series of diesel-electric submarines being built for the Indian Navy. It is an extension of the P-75 class submarines already in possession of the Indian Navy.

The Indian Navy intends to acquire six conventional submarines equipped with advanced technology and capabilities, including anti-ship warfare (AShW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), air independent propulsion (AIP), special operations forces (SOF), anti-surface warfare (ASuW ), ground attack capabilities, ISR and other functions. All six vessels are expected to be built in India under the Make in India initiative.

Meanwhile, the Vaghsheer submarine trial comes at a crucial time when five such Kalvari-class vessels have already been officially inducted into the Indian Navy. These submarines will help track China's movements in the Indian Ocean.