The INS Kalvari, the first of the indigenous Scorpene-class submarines, was commissioned in the Indian Navy on Thursday, 14 December. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and other dignitaries attended the event, which comes days after the Navy observed the golden jubilee of its submarine wing.
Congratulating the Indian Navy, PM Narendra Modi claimed that the submarine is the biggest example of Make in India.
INS Kalvari being inducted in the Indian Navy is a big step. Indian energy and sweat has been spent to make this. It is the biggest example of Make-in-India. I would like to thank France in the making of Kalvari. This submarine is an example of the rapid growing strategic partnership between India and France.Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The INS Kalvari is a diesel-electric submarine with a weight of 1,565-tonnes. It has a speed of 20 knots and is equipped with the SM-39 Exocet missiles and wire-guided surface and underwater torpedoes that enable it to carry out crippling attacks on enemies with precision. The submarine is loaded with combat features.
The power of Kalvari rather the power of Tiger Shark will strengthen the Indian Navy. Be it terrorism from the sea piracy or drug smuggling, India is playing an integral role in tackling with all of themPrime Minister Narendra Modi
INS Kalvari will be followed by five other submarines under India's Rs 23,652 crore 'Project-75’ in collaboration with France, which will be the outcome of a contract with French shipbuilder DCNS that was signed in 2005.
The INS Kalvari was due in 2012, while the other five scorpene-class submarines were due in 2017. Owing to the delay, now all six submarines will be inducted somewhere around 2020-2021. When asked about the delay, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba told The Times Of India: "We are hopeful of beginning the project by end-2018."
The second Scorpene submarine, INS Khanderi, is presently undergoing trials and is likely to be inducted into the Navy soon.
(With inputs from PTI)
Read more here: Watch: PM Modi ‘Dedicates’ Submarine INS Kalvari to the Nation
Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)