Vagsheer, the sixth and the last Scorpene submarine constructed under Project-75 of the Indian Navy, was launched at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) on April 20. 

Vagsheer will undergo a comprehensive and rigorous set of tests and trials for more than a year to ensure that it is fully combat-worthy.

What is Project-75?

• Project–75 includes construction of six submarines of Scorpene design. These submarines are being constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France.

• Four submarines built under Project-75 — INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi and INS Karang and INS Vela — have already been commissioned into the Indian Navy. 

• INS Kalvari was commissioned in December 2017. INS Khanderi was commissioned in September 2019. INS Karanj was commissioned in March 2021. The fourth one, INS Vela, was commissioned in November 2021.

• The fifth submarine of the series, INS Vagir, is undergoing sea trials and is likely to be commissioned this year. 

• The project is being executed with French technical assistance. 

Why is it named Vagsheer?

• Named after sandfish, a deadly deep water sea predator of the Indian Ocean, the first submarine ‘Vagsheer’ was commissioned in December 1974 and decommissioned in April 1997. 

• The new submarine is the incarnation of its earlier version, as according to naval parlance a ship never ceases to exist. 

• Even after a ship/submarine is decommissioned, a new ship/submarine replaces the old one with the same name. 

Features of Vagsheer:

• The state-of-the-art technology utilised in the Scorpene class submarines has ensured superior stealth features, such as advanced acoustic absorption techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimised shape, and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons. 

• The attack can be launched with both torpedoes and tube launched anti-ship missiles, whilst underwater or on surface. The stealth of this potent platform is enhanced by the special attention provided to her characteristic underwater signatures. 

• Scorpene submarines can undertake multifarious types of missions like anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying and area surveillance, among others. 

• The vessel is designed to operate in all theatres of operation, showcasing interoperability with other components of a naval task force.

Manorama Yearbook app is now available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store