INS Kalvari commissioned into Navy: 5 major takeaways
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned INS Kalvari, the “deadliest” non-nuclear submarine, into the Indian Navy on Thursday. This is the first of six Scorpene submarines being developed by Mazagon Dock Limited under "Project-75".
The 1,565-tonne submarine is 67.5 metres long and its height is 12.3 metres. Armed with heavyweight torpedos and Exocet anti-ship missiles, it has a speed of 20 knots. It can launch torpedoes from underwater and also from the surface. It has infrared and low-light camera and range finder to spot targets on ocean surface. Unlike other conventional submarines, its stealth features make it a “silent operator”. “The technology utilised in the Scorpene class has ensured superior stealth features such as advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low-radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimised shape and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision-guided weapons,” an official of the Mazagon Dock Limited was quoted as saying by PTI.
Here are the major takeaways:
Fillip to Make in India
PM Modi described INS Kalvari as a prime example of "Make in India". Every defence vehicle, from helicopters to submarines, will be made in India, he added. This is the first submarine constructed by Indian shipbuilder Mazagon Dock Limited. The construction began in 2006. The second Scorpene, Khanderi, which was launched in January 2017, is undergoing sea trials now. The third one, Karanj, is under production. There are another three in the line. The entire project is supposed to be completed by 2020.
Major boost to Indian Navy
Apart from INS Chakra and INS Arihant, which are nuclear-powered, the Indian Navy has 13 submarines - four belonging to the Shishumar class and nine to the Sindhughosh class. Commissioned before the year 2000, all of them are ageing and half of them are non-functional. Addition of Kalvari is definitely a major boost for the Navy.
First conventional submarine in 17 years
In 2000, the Indian Navy last inducted a conventional diesel-electric submarine, INS Sindhushastra (S60). It was procured from Russia. Commissioning of INS Kalvari comes after a gap of 17 years. Meanwhile, nuclear submarines were commissioned. But, according to experts, Indian Navy can’t afford to overlook the advantages of conventional submarines, which are smaller in size and easy to operate in littoral spaces.
The submarine got its name from Malayalam word “Kalvari”, which refers to the dreaded deep-sea tiger shark, Kalvari. All the Scorpene submarines are capable of undertaking anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying and area surveillance.
The first Indian Navy submarine, which was commissioned in December 1967, was also known as Kalvari.
Strengthening India-France defence ties
Commissioning of INS Kalvari, designed by France, into Indian Navy also strengthens India-France defence ties, PM Modi said. "I also thank France for its cooperation in building Kalvari. The submarine is also an excellent example of the rapidly growing strategic partnership between India and France," he said. France is a major partner for India in developing various key military platforms. India had signed a Rs 58,000 crore deal with France for supply of 36 Rafale jets last year.
India's commitment to peace in Indian Ocean Region
At a time when Chinese Navy warships are spotted in the Indian Ocean Region, inclusion of INS Kalvari into the Navy will help fulfil India’s commitment to maintain peace in the region. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman said peace in Indian Ocean, which is the lifeline of global trade, is better off with INS Kalvari and the rest submarines to follow.
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