Indian Navy’s Final Kalvari Class Submarine ‘Vaghsheer’ Begins Sea Trials, Commissioning Expected Early 2024

Vaghsheer, Indian Navy’s sixth and final Kalvari class submarine, is scheduled for delivery to the Indian Navy in early 2024 after the completion of the sea trials. 

Indian Navy's sixth scorpene submarine of Project-75, 'INS Vagsheer' commences sea trials, on Thursday, May 18, 2023.

Source : PTI

The Indian Navy’s final Kalvari class submarine, Vaghsheer, began her sea trials on Thursday (May 18) and is expected to be commissioned into the force by early next year. Built under Project-75, the submarine is set to enhance the Navy's combat capability as China has been increasing its presence in the Indian Ocean region. Project-75 includes the indigenous construction of six submarines. Five of the Kalvari class submarines have already been commissioned into the Indian Navy. Vaghsheer is scheduled for delivery to the Indian Navy in early 2024 after the completion of the sea trials. 

The sixth submarine of #IndianNavy’s Project – 75 proceeded to sea for the first time on #18May 23 marking the commencement of the sea trials. ‘Vaghsheer’ is being built by @MazagonDockLtd at Mumbai.#MakeInIndia@SpokespersonMoD @giridhararamane @makeinindia pic.twitter.com/QnYTGiXyeS

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) May 19, 2023

With three submarines of Project 75 having been commissioned under the indigenous construction programme in 24 months, and the last one scheduled for delivery post completion of trials in early 2024, this is indicative of the boost towards #AatmaNirbharBharat.

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) May 19, 2023

The submarine was launched in April last year from the Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin of the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).  India has been focusing on bolstering its maritime capability with a focus on the Indian Ocean in the backdrop of concerns over China's growing forays into the region, considered the backyard of the Indian Navy.

The submarines were constructed at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai in collaboration with the Naval Group of France. 

The MDL has delivered three submarines of Project-75 in 24 months and the commencement of sea trials of the sixth submarine is a significant milestone. This is indicative of the boost towards 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India), the Navy said in a statement.

According to the Indian Navy, the submarine will now undergo intense trials of all its systems at sea, these include propulsion systems, weapons, and sensors.