Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has officially handed over the sixth Scorpene-class submarine, to the Indian Navy, set to be commissioned as INS Vaghsheer.  

The acceptance document was formalised by the MDL chairman and managing director (CMD) along with other dignitaries.  

The five other submarines of the class are Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela and Vagir

Launched on April 20, 2022, Vaghsheer underwent testing for more than a year to validate its combat readiness and operational capabilities across various deployment scenarios.  

This delivery precedes the Indian Navy’s plan to commission three combatant platforms, including Vaghsheer, at Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard by 15 January 2025.  

During the delivery event, MDL CMD stated that the handover of Vaghsheer marks another milestone for India in reinforcing its status as a nation capable of constructing submarines. 

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The CMD further added that the shipyard “has lived up to its reputation” “to meet requirements and aspirations of the Indian Navy in all dimensions”. 

The Vaghsheer submarine is equipped with technology, including acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels, and hydrodynamically optimised shape, enabling it to launch precision-guided attacks with guided weapons.  

Capable of launching torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship missiles both underwater and at the surface, the platform offers operational flexibility. 

It can conduct a range of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and area surveillance.  

Designed for seamless integration within a Naval Task Force, it is adaptable to various operational theatres. 

Other features include high automation with an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) and Combat Management System (CMS), make Vaghsheer a formidable addition to the Navy’s arsenal.  

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