The Indian Navy is poised to enhance its maritime capabilities significantly with the upcoming induction of the INS Vagsheer, the sixth submarine in the Kalvari-class series, projected to join the fleet in January 2025. This advanced hunter-killer submarine represents a vital addition to India’s naval strength, particularly in light of ongoing security concerns in the region, especially from China and Pakistan.
The INS Vagsheer is named after the Sand Fish, a deep-sea predator, symbolizing its intended role as a formidable presence in maritime operations. Launched on April 20, 2022, from the Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, this submarine is part of Project 75, a significant initiative aimed at bolstering India’s underwater warfare capabilities.
Equipped with cutting-edge navigation and tracking systems, the submarine boasts a robust arsenal featuring torpedoes and anti-ship missiles. Its diverse operational capabilities include anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance, and mine-laying, making it a versatile asset for the Indian Navy.
With a length of 221 feet and a height of 40 feet, the INS Vagsheer features impressive specifications, including an underwater speed of 35 kilometers per hour and a surface speed of 20 kilometers per hour. These attributes are designed to facilitate stealthy and precise attacks, further enhancing the Indian Navy’s dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Prior to its induction, five other submarines from the same class have already been commissioned, reinforcing the country’s strategic maritime posture. The operational capabilities of INS Vagsheer are expected to play a crucial role in deterring potential threats from adversaries, ensuring that India’s naval forces remain vigilant and ready in a dynamic security landscape.
