Following the recent integration of INS Tushil into the Indian Navy, India’s maritime capabilities are poised for a substantial enhancement with the impending induction of INS Vagsheer, expected to join the fleet in January 2025. This submarine, designed as a hunter-killer vessel under the prestigious Project 75, aims to fortify India’s naval dominance and establish a significant deterrent against regional adversaries, particularly China and Pakistan. The name INS Vagsheer, derived from the deep-sea predator Sand Fish, symbolizes India’s commitment to addressing escalating security threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
As China continues to expand its naval operations, now boasting three operational aircraft carriers, the nation is actively seeking to extend its influence into the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). In response to these rising challenges, India is simultaneously enhancing its aircraft carrier capabilities while focusing on acquiring advanced submarines designed to neutralize such threats.
INS Vagsheer stands out as the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class under Project 75, and its introduction is anticipated to be a pivotal addition to the Indian Navy. Some key features of INS Vagsheer include:
– Advanced operational capabilities powered by a diesel-electric system.
– A design tailored for stealth and precision in attack scenarios.
– Impressive speed, exceeding 35 km/h underwater and 20 km/h on the surface.
– A versatile arsenal equipped with torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and the capability to deploy over 30 mines.
– An integrated anti-torpedo countermeasure system designed to evade any enemy assaults.
– Its suitability for various missions including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance, and mine-laying operations.
– A compact design measuring 221 feet in length and 40 feet in height, which ensures stealth while maintaining powerful strike capabilities.
The broader context of this development lies within Project 75, established in a 2005 agreement with France’s Naval Group to construct six Scorpene-class submarines at Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. This project not only facilitated a significant transfer of technology but also bolstered domestic defense manufacturing capabilities. The first submarine, INS Kalvari, was commissioned in December 2017, followed by a series of subsequent vessels: Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, and Vagir. With the arrival of Vagsheer, this critical phase of submarine modernization is set to reach completion.
Looking forward, Project 75(I) is on the horizon, earmarked for the construction of six new submarines featuring Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. This innovative advancement will enable submarines to operate submerged for extended periods, significantly enhancing stealth and lethality. Additionally, India has authorized the development of two nuclear attack submarines (SSNs), further reinforcing its naval prowess.
AIP technology will play a crucial role in counteracting China’s growing maritime presence in the Indian Ocean. As India continues to build a formidable submarine fleet and advance its military capabilities, it is securing its status as a blue-water navy, fully equipped to project power on the high seas. The induction of INS Vagsheer, along with other advanced submarines, is expected not only to safeguard India’s strategic interests but also to serve as a robust deterrent against the ambitious aspirations of China and Pakistan in the region.
