INS Vagsheer: India’s naval capabilities are set to advance with the induction of INS Vagsheer into the fleet by January 2025. As a hunter-killer submarine developed under Project 75, it underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its deep-sea defense. Named after the Sand Fish, a predator of the ocean depths, INS Vagsheer is designed to enhance India’s maritime dominance and serve as a deterrent against regional adversaries like China and Pakistan.
According to IndiaToday, the submarine will complement the Indian Navy’s expanding capabilities, following the recent addition of INS Tushil, reinforcing the nation’s strategic focus on securing its waters and countering emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
Rising Challenges in the Indo-Pacific
China’s aggressive naval expansion poses significant challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. With three operational aircraft carriers and ambitions to project power into the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), China is rapidly enhancing its maritime presence.
How INS Tushil Will Boost Indian Navy’s Defence Capabilities
In response, India is taking proactive measures to counterbalance this influence. Alongside efforts to expand its fleet of aircraft carriers, India is focusing on acquiring advanced “aircraft carrier killer” submarines. These capabilities aim to deter adversaries and secure India’s strategic interests in the IOR, reflecting its resolve to address the evolving dynamics of maritime power in the region.
What Makes INS Vagsheer Special?
INS Vagsheer, the sixth and final submarine in the Scorpene-class under Project 75, is a revolutionary addition to India’s naval arsenal.
- Advanced Technology: Powered by a sophisticated diesel-electric propulsion system, it boasts cutting-edge stealth capabilities and precision attack features.
- Impressive Speed: It can achieve underwater speeds exceeding 35 km/h and surface speeds of 20 km/h.
- Versatile Armament: Equipped with torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and the ability to deploy over 30 mines, it is capable of handling diverse missions.
- Enhanced Defense: Features an advanced anti-torpedo countermeasure system to evade enemy attacks effectively.
- Multi-Role Capability: Ideal for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance, and mine-laying.
- Compact and Stealthy Design: At 221 feet long and 40 feet high, its sleek profile ensures operational stealth while delivering powerful strikes.
China’s growing naval power is becoming a big challenge in the Indo-Pacific. With three aircraft carriers already in service and plans to expand into the Indian Ocean Region, China is increasing its influence in these waters.
In response, India is taking steps to balance this rise. India is not only working on adding more aircraft carriers to its fleet but is also focusing on acquiring advanced submarines that can target aircraft carriers. These measures are meant to protect India’s interests and send a message to any potential adversaries, showing India’s commitment to maintaining control and security in the region.
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Project 75: Overview
Project 75-A is a key part of India’s efforts to strengthen its submarine fleet. In 2005, India signed a deal with France’s Naval Group to build six Scorpene-class submarines under this project. These submarines were constructed at Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, helping India improve its defense manufacturing and gain access to advanced technology.
The first submarine, INS Kalvari, was commissioned in December 2017, followed by Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, and Vagir. INS Vagsheer is the final submarine in this series, completing the modernization process.
Looking ahead, Project 75(I) aims to build six new submarines with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), which allows submarines to stay submerged longer, making them stealthier and more effective. India has also approved the construction of two nuclear attack submarines (SSNs).
With these advancements, India is strengthening its navy, making it better equipped to handle China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean. The addition of INS Vagsheer and future submarines will not only protect India’s interests but also serve as a deterrent to China and Pakistan in the region.
