India Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissions the Indian Navy’s first ‘Kalvari’ class submarine

 

On 14 December Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, commissioned into the Indian Navy INS Kalvari, the first of the six ‘Scorpene’ class submarines built under Project 75 (‘Kalvari’ Class). The ceremony held at Naval Dockyard, in Mumbai.

 

The ‘Kalvari’ class submarines are based on Scorpene type diesel-electric attack submarines designed by Naval Group and built by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) as part of Naval Group’s commitment to the ‘Make In India’ initiative intended to pave the way for self-reliance of the Indian Navy. In his speech, Prime Minister Modi commended all those involved in the manufacture of the submarine, which he described as an excellent illustration of the fast growing strategic partnership between India and France.

 

INS Kalvari has an overall length of 67.5 metres and a height of about 12.3 metres. The hull form, the fin and the hydroplanes are specifically designed to produce minimum underwater resistance, while her 360 battery cells (each weighing 750 kg) power the extremely silent Permanently Magnetised Propulsion Motor. Her stealth is further enhanced through the mounting of equipment inside the pressure hull on shock absorbing cradles. The boats attack and search periscopes are equipped with Infrared/ Low Light Level cameras and Laser Range finders.

 

The submarine’s undersea warfare capability comprises a cluster of advanced weapons and sensors integrated into the Submarine Tactical Integrated Combat System (SUBTICS). The sonar suite is Low Frequency Analysis and Ranging (LOFAR) capable enabling long rage detection and classification. Post classification, she may choose to engage the enemy by utilising either the sea skimming SM 39 EXOCET missiles (Flying Fish in French) or the heavy weight wire guided Surface and Underwater Target (SUT) torpedoes. As far as self-defence is concerned, she is fitted with mobile C303/S anti-torpedo decoys.

 

Prime Minister Modi added, during the commissioning ceremony, that INS Kalvari would add even more strength to the Indian Navy, which he sees as playing a key role as partner in the region to promote peace and stability. The 21st century, according to Prime Minister Modi, is Asia’s century and he believes that the road to development will go through the Indian Ocean.

 

Also present at the ceremony, amongst many others, were Mrs Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s Defence Minister, and Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff, who both highlighted the importance of Project 75 for indigenous submarine building. “Commissioning of Kalvari is a testimony of our resolve and these achievements are a result of the Indian Navy’s proactive and integrated approach to achieve self-reliance,” the Admiral said.