Indian Navy Launches Second Scorpene-Class Submarine

Khanderi, the second of Indian Navy’s Scorpene class stealth submarine, was launched by the Honorable Raksha Rajya Mantri, Dr. Subhash Bhamre paving the way for her sea trials. Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff and a host of other dignitaries witnessed the launch at Mazagon Dock Shipyard Limited on January 12, 2017.

The submarine is expected to be delivered to Navy by the end of the year. She has been named after a former Foxtrot-class submarine decommissioned in 1989, as per the traditions of Indian Navy.

The construction of six Scorpene submarines is presently being progressed at Mazagon Dock Shipyard Limited (MDL) under Project 75 with a transfer of technology from DCNS. The first submarine of the class, Kalvari, is presently undergoing sea trials and likely to be commissioned into Navy by mid-2017. These submarines, after commissioning, will form the core of Indian Navy’s conventional submarine arm.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Subhash Bhamre said that Project 75 Kalvari is a key milestone in self-reliance and indigenization for the country. Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff said during his address that the fact that Khanderi compares with the best in the world, speaks highly of the experience and expertise Indian shipbuilders have gained over the years. He added that as Indian Navy celebrates Golden Jubilee of the submarine arm in 2017, the induction of Project 75 submarines would mark the beginning of a new chapter in India’s submarine capabilities.

The launching of Khanderi also marks a critical milestone event for the Shipyard which delivered two Shishumar class submarines in the 1990s and has now strengthened its position as a submarine building yard for Indian Navy. Started as a small dry dock facility for East India Company, MDL today has established itself as a forefront Defence Public Sector Undertaking, with indigenous construction of several ships and submarines for Navy such as P 15 B destroyers and P 17 A class stealth frigates.

For more information, click here.