The Indian Navy has officially commissioned INS Vagsheer, the sixth and final submarine in the Kalvari-class (P75) Scorpene Project. This marks a significant achievement in India’s drive for self-reliance in defence under the ‘AtmanirbharBharat’ initiative. It also represents India’s growing expertise in submarine construction, which was constructed in collaboration with the Naval Group of France. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), this accomplishment highlights the successful transfer of advanced technology and strengthens the growing Indo-French strategic partnership.
On January 15, a momentous event unfolded at Mumbai’s naval dockyard, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi gathered for a prestigious commissioning ceremony. This occasion was marked by the presence of Pierre Eric Pommellet, the esteemed Chairman of Naval Group, along with various dignitaries from both India and France. This event celebrated a significant addition to India’s naval fleet, enhancing the country’s underwater warfare capabilities and solidifying its maritime strength.
“We are honoured to be part of the success of the P75 program, a cornerstone of the Indo-French strategic partnership and a key achievement in India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” policy. Naval Group remains fully committed to supporting the Indian Navy through future projects alongside Indian industrial partners,” said Pommellet.
INS Vagsheer, constructed using Naval Group’s cutting-edge Scorpene-class design, was launched in April 2022 and completed rigorous sea trials before its induction. It joins its predecessors—INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, and INS Vagir—commissioned between 2017 and 2023.
The P75 project has been a flagship initiative in Indo-French defence collaboration, fostering a robust industrial ecosystem in India with contributions from over 100 local companies and extensive involvement of Indian engineers. The Scorpene submarines are renowned for their stealth, precision, and operational agility, significantly enhancing the Indian Navy’s combat readiness.
In the meanwhile, India is expected to conclude a deal for three additional Scorpene submarines to be built in India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s likely visit to Paris next month to attend the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Team BharatShakti
