The Scorpene-class submarine INS Karanj commissioned into the Indian Navy in Mumbai on Wednesday, in the presence of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and Admiral (Retired) VS Shekhawat. This is the third in the series of six submarines built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders.
Two submarines of the project namely INS Kalvari and Khanderi have been commissioned in December 2017 and September 2019 respectively. Scorpene is the conventional submarine designed by the Naval Group for the export market.
Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh addressed the Ceremony and said, “Indian Navy has been a strong proponent of indigenization and self-reliance in defence over past 7 decades. At present, out of 42 ships and submarines on order, 40 are being constructed in Indian shipyards.”
INS Karanj is smaller than a nuclear submarine. This makes it the deadliest and the quickest submarine till date. The smaller size makes the submarine manoeuvre easily in difficult locations and reach nearest to the enemy’s coast. It attacks the target accurately and gathers maximum intelligence.
A fourth of the class, INS Vela, has been undergoing trials at sea. The fifth, INS Vagir, was launched in November 2020. The sixth boat of the class, named Vagsheer, is currently under construction.
All these six Kalvari-class submarines have the same capabilities but they can be deployed in different roles which include guarding strategic points in the sea, laying mines, gathering intelligence, dropping marine commandos and engaging with enemy ships when required.