In back-to-back good news on the defence front, Indian Navy today successfully test fired an anti-ship missile from its first Scorpene-class submarine, the INS Kalvari. This is the maiden test firing of an anti-Ship missile from the indigenously-built Kalvari submarine. According to a Ministry of Defence release, the missile successfully hit a surface target at extended ranges during the trial firing. “This missile launch is a significant milestone, not only for the Kalvari, which is the first in a series of Scorpene class submarines being built in India, but also in enhancing the Indian Navy’s sub-surface warfare capability,” the Ministry of Defence said.
Kalvari is currently undergoing extensive sea trials and will soon be inducted into the Indian Navy. Kalvari is the first of the Indian Navy’s Scorpene class stealth submarines being built under the Project 75. The submarines are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in collaboration with France’s DCNS.
“All six Kalvari-class submarines being built in India will be equipped with this anti-ship missile, which has a proven record in combat. These missiles will provide the submarines the ability to neutralise surface threats at extended ranges,” MoD said. Kalvari would be equipped with anti-ship missiles and long range guided torpedoes along with modern sensor suite. A technology, called air independent propulsion system, will ensure that it stays underwater longer.
Watch: 2nd Scorpene-Class Submarine INS ‘Khanderi’ Launched
Recently, INS Khanderi, Indian Navy’s second indigenous Scorpene-class submarine was launched at MDL. The Scorpene-class submarines will be a formidable addition to the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet. The state-of-art features of the Scorpene-class submarine include “superior stealth” and the ability to launch a “crippling attack” on the enemy using precision guided weapons.
Check out INS Khanderi – Indian Navy’s second indigenous Scorpene-class submarine
The attack can be launched with torpedoes, as well as tube launched anti-ship missiles, whilst underwater or on surface. The stealth features give it an invulnerability, unmatched by many submarines, says MDL.
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According to MDL, the Scorpene-class submarine can undertake “multifarious types of missions typically undertaken by any modern submarine i.e anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance etc.” According to the Ministry of Defence, India is among few countries in the world which can and has been making conventional submarines. The Scorpene-class submarines are designed to “operate in all theatres including the Tropics”. All means and communications are provided to ensure interoperability with other components of a Naval Task Force.