Scorpene Submarine: The Indian Navy is preparing for two major additions in early 2025. The final Kalvari-class submarine, also known as the Scorpene-class, and the first Nilgiri-class frigate are expected to be commissioned in January.
These inductions were initially planned for December but have been slightly delayed, as per sources in the defense and security sector. These new assets will enhance the Navy’s underwater and surface combat capabilities significantly.
Vagsheer: Indian Navy’s Final Scorpene-Class Submarine
Vagsheer, the sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine, was ordered in 2005 and launched in April 2022. These submarines are being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders under a technology transfer agreement with France’s Naval Group. While they are globally known as Scorpene-class, the Indian Navy refers to them as Kalvari-class submarines.
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According to Business standard, The Scorpenes are 2,000-tonne conventional attack submarines designed for a variety of missions, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, intelligence gathering, and special operations. Each submarine is equipped with six weapon-launching tubes and can carry 18 weapons, including torpedoes and missiles.
INS Kalvari, the first in this series, was inducted into the Indian Navy in 2017. Additionally, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders is expected to build three more submarines for the Navy under Project 75 (P75), with the contract expected to be signed next month.
Indian Navy’s Seven New F frigates
The Nilgiri-class guided missile frigates are currently under construction at Mazagon Dock. The first of these stealth frigates, which is set to be commissioned next month, will be part of a series of seven frigates being developed for the Indian Navy.
These frigates are part of Project 17A and are based on the earlier P17 Shivalik-class design. They feature advanced stealth technology, indigenous weapons and sensors, and a modern integrated construction methodology.
According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the P17A frigates offer enhanced survivability, seakeeping, stealth, and maneuverability.
Indian Navy Inducts Russian-Built INS Tushil and Tamal
On December 9, the Indian Navy inducted the Russian-built INS Tushil into its Western Fleet, also known as the Sword Arm. The second ship in this class, Tamal, is expected to be delivered early next year.
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These ships are part of a $2.5-billion agreement signed between India and Russia in 2016 for four frigates. According to the agreement, two ships are being built in Russia, while the remaining two are being constructed at Goa Shipyard in India with Russian technical assistance.
Additionally, on December 18, Nirdeshak, the second Survey Vessel Large (SVL), will be commissioned in Visakhapatnam. The first ship of this class, INS Sandhyak, was inducted in February 2024.
The SVL ships are designed for full-scale hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, navigational channels, coastal areas, and deep seas to ensure safe marine navigation. They are also equipped to carry out various naval operations.
