On 23 January 2023, INS Vagir, the fifth P75 Kalvari-class (Scorpene-class) submarines, was commissioned within the Indian Navy in presence of the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC and several other senior dignitaries. The event was also attended by Naval Group’s Executive Vice President for Submarines, Mr Laurent Espinasse along with the Naval Group team in India. Launched on 12 November 2020, INS Vagir successfully completed all her sea trials and now enters into service within the Indian Navy. She will join INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj and INS Vela which had already been commissioned respectively in December 2017, September 2019, March 2021 and November 2021. The last submarine of the P75 series, the Vagsheer, is currently completing her sea trials in order to be delivered in 2024. INS Vagir is built by Indian shipyard Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) based on the Naval Group Scorpene® design.
The commissioning of INS Vagir highlights the success of indigenous submarines construction programme of the Government of India. MDL and Naval Group have developed a rich industrial ecosystem of more than 50 Indian companies, along with an Indian subsidiary with more than 70 Indian engineers to support Indian Navy, thus contributing to industrial and technological sovereignty. This submarine has been completely built by MDL having successfully absorbed the technology transfer from Naval Group, in line with Indian Government’s “Make in India” policy. The series of six submarines of the P75 program is fitted with a number of equipment built in India by qualified and highly trained industrial Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).Such cooperation allows Naval Group’s industrial partners to have access to new markets by putting forward the know-how and experience acquired through the program. Naval Group thus contributes to the development of a robust Indian naval industrial ecosystem.
The Scorpene® is a 2000 tons conventional-propulsion submarine designed and developed by Naval Group for all types of mission, such as surface vessel warfare, anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, special operations or intelligence gathering. With 14 submarines chosen around the world, the Scorpene® is an essential reference of conventional attack submarines (SSK) for Navies across the globe. The product is easily adapted to specific requirements of any naval customers. The progressive improvement by Naval Group dedicated and experienced designers ensures the seamless integration of advances and modern technology. Extremely stealthy and fast, it has a level of operating automation that allows a limited number of crew, which reduces its operating costs significantly. Its combat edge is highlighted by the fact that it has 6 weapon launching tubes and 18 weapons (torpedoes, missiles).
Naval Group is present in India through its 100% subsidiary Naval Group India. Established in September 2008, Naval Group India’s mission has been to support the indigenisation of equipment for Scorpene® submarine, to develop the Indian defence eco-system, as well as to develop design services in India with talented Indian engineers. Naval Group India endeavours to implement the vision of AatmaNirbhar Bharat and evolve as centre of excellence for the support and maintenance of P75 submarines by further empowering Indian industries and creating a robust eco-system that can cater to the varied defence needs of the country. Naval Group India is a 100 % owned subsidiary of Naval Group, which is headquartered in Paris, France. Established in September 2008 as DCNS India, it has its presence felt in 2 major cities: Mumbai and New Delhi. The main purpose of Naval Group to be in India would be to support the Indigenisation through ‘Make in India’ activities for Scorpene® submarine equipment, to develop the Indian defence eco-system, as well as to develop design services in India with talented Indian engineers.
