Today, 23 January 2023, at the Naval Dockyard Mumbai, the fifth stealth Scorpene class submarine of the Indian Navy, INS Vagir, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Adm. R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, who served as the ceremony’s chief guest. The Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai is constructing six Scorpene Class submarines in India in partnership with M/s Naval Group, France. The Western Naval Command’s submarine fleet would include the INS Vagir, another deadly weapon in the command’s armoury.
In accordance with Project 75 (P75), Vagir was launched on November 12 and presented to the Indian Navy on December 20. Vagir has the distinction of having the lowest build time among all indigenously manufactured submarines till date.
Senior civil and military representatives from the Ministry of Defence, including Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command VAdm AB Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of MDL VAdm Narayan Prasad (Retd), and others, attended the commissioning event.
Special guests for the ceremony were the crew of the former “Vagir,” a Foxtrot Class submarine of Russian descent that was decommissioned in 2001. The ceremony also included the then-commissioning Commanding Officer, RAdm K Raja Menon (Retd).
The Scorpene Submarines are incredibly powerful ships with cutting-edge stealth capabilities, long-range guided torpedoes, and anti-ship missiles.
These submarines have cutting-edge sensor and SONAR systems that enable remarkable operational capabilities.
CNS Speech
Speaking on the occasion CNS stated that INS Vagir will give a significant fillip to the Indian Navy’s operational might and serve as a potent deterrent for any adversary.
He also emphasised the fact that Vagir is the third submarine to join the Navy in just 24 months. “This demonstrates the maturation of our defence ecosystem and the maturation of India’s shipbuilding sector. It also serves to affirm the Indian Navy’s unwavering determination and unwavering will to be a fully “AatmaNirbhar” force by 2047. It is a brilliant testament to the skill and experience of our shipyards in building sophisticated and complicated platforms.
Congratulating the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. CMD and staff for their great efforts that lead to Vagir’s commissioning According to CNS, MDL has been at the vanguard of the Indian Navy’s shift from a “Buyer’s Navy” to a “Builder’s Navy” and is a close and valued partner.
The CNS complimented the Commissioning Crew stating that “it gives me every confidence that each one of you will ‘do your duty and do it well’, and that Vagir will serve the Nation with pride and élan guided by the highest traditions of the Navy”.
Vagir – Sand Shark
The Sand Shark represents ‘Stealth and Fearlessness’, two qualities that are synonymous with the ethos of a submariner. The motto of the submarine, ‘Saahas Shaurya Samarpan’ epitomizes the core values of Courage, Valour and Dedication.
These principles are reflected in performing all tasks as effectively as possible to win in all circumstances and in having the ability to work together when confronted with a challenging task.
The guys have adopted the phrase, which encourages them to conquer challenges, to remain assured, daring, and brave even in the most trying circumstances in order to maintain the edge “Sharp and Ready.”
In addition to strengthening the Indian Navy’s status as a builder’s Navy, the induction of Vagir is a testament to MDL’s capability as the world’s top ship and submarine manufacturing yard.
Additionally, Project-75 represents a significant turning point in the Yard’s sustained significance in the realm of defence production.
The commissioning of Vagir is coinciding with ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations. The commissioning of this indigenous submarine once again denotes the drive and focus towards ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’.
