INS Vela, the country’s fourth Scorpene-class submarine, was delivered to the Indian Navy on Tuesday after more than two years of sea trials. The delivery of the attack submarine, which underwent sea trials since May 2019, is seen as a major shot in the arm for the Indian Navy in terms of strength and capability.
INS Vela is known to have advanced stealth and combat capabilities when it comes to engaging with the enemy.
The diesel-electric submarine was built under Project 75 by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
The acceptance document for INS Vela’s delivery was signed by Vice Admiral Narayan Prasad (retired), chairman and managing director of MDL, and Rear Admiral KP Arvindan, chief staff officer (technical) of Western Naval Command. MDL directors and other navy personnel were also present on the occasion.
Submarine construction is an intricate activity as the difficulty is compounded when all equipment is required to be miniaturised and is subject to stringent quality requirements. Construction of these submarines in an Indian yard is yet another step towards ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’.
Three submarines Under Project-75 that are functional are INS Karanj, INS Kalvari, and INS Khanderi. INS Vagir was launched last year and the sixth one, INS Vagsheer, is under construction.
