On January 23, 2023, the Indian Navy is scheduled to commission the fifth Kalvari class submarine, named Vagir. Adm. R. Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff, will attend as the ceremony’s chief guest. Under joint construction with M/s Naval Group, France, these submarines are being built in India by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai. The Indian Navy has already commissioned four submarines from the Kalvari class.
Glorious Past and History
The former Vagir was put into service on November 1st, 1973, and carried out many operational tasks, such as patrols for deterrence. The submarine served the country for approximately three decades before being decommissioned on January 7, 2001.
Launched and named ‘Vagir’ on 12 Nov 20, the submarine in its new avatar has the distinction of having the lowest build time among all indigenously manufactured submarines till date.
Before being commissioned, she underwent a number of thorough acceptance checks and rigorous and challenging sea testing before embarking on her first sea sortie on February 22.
Vagir – Ferocious Fifth
Vagir, which can perform a variety of tasks including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, information gathering, mine laying, and surveillance missions, will increase the Indian Navy’s capacity to advance India’s maritime interests.
Vagir – Sand Shark
The Sand Shark symbolises “Stealth and Fearlessness,” two characteristics that are vital to a submariner’s way of life.
The addition of Vagir is a step toward the Indian Navy’s consolidation of its status as a builder’s Navy and demonstrates the capability of MDL as a top ship and submarine construction facility.
