Indian 5th Scorpene against Chinese naval forays |
India got a major boost in its underwater combat arm on December 20 with the delivery of the fifth Scorpene submarine to the Navy ahead of its commissioning INS Vagir next month. Under the `Project-75` underway at MDL with French collaboration, the Navy has commissioned four Scorpenes, INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, and INS Vela, till now. The sixth and last, Vagsheer will be delivered next year. The Scorpenes are a much-needed welcome addition. With superior stealth features like advanced acoustic absorption techniques and low radiated noise levels, they are equipped with long-range guided torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship missiles besides advanced sonars and sensor suites. Vagir began sea trials on February 1, 2022. She has completed all major trials in the shortest time in comparison to the earlier submarines. Vagir is the third Scorpene submarine delivered to the Navy in a span of 24 months.
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