INS Vela: Indian Navy to commission indigenously built Scorpene-class submarine

November 25, 2021

The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Vela, on November 25, 2021, which is the fourth stealth Scorpene class submarine under Project 75.

Key Points

Induction of INS Vela will boost its combat capability.
Project 75 comprises of construction of six submarines of Scorpene design. Out of six, three submarines namely Karanj, Kalvari, Khanderi, have already been commissioned.

INS Vela

INS Vela has been built by Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in association with M/s Naval Group of France.
Earlier version of INS Vela was commissioned on August 31, 1973, rendering its yeoman service to the nation for 37 eventful years. It was finally decommissioned on June 25, 2010.
INS Vela is a potent man of war. It is capable of offensive operations which span across entire spectrum of maritime warfare.
Induction of Vela consolidates position of Indian Navy as a builder’s Navy significantly. It will add sharpness and strength to the combat capability of Indian Navy.

Features of Submarine

This submarine is equipped with C303 anti torpedo countermeasure system.
It can carry up to 18 torpedoes or 30 mines in place of torpedoes or Exocet anti-ship missiles.
It is a diesel-electric powered attack submarine.
It is 67.5 metres in length and 12.3 metres in height while its beam measures 6.2 metres.
Vela can reach a top speed of 20 knots when submerged while its surface top speed is up to11 knots.
It comprises of four MTU 12V 396 SE84 diesel engines along with 360 battery cells for power.
It also has a silent Permanently Magnetised Propulsion Motor.

The Project 75

This project was conceptualised during IK Gujral government for acquisition of 25 submarines. Following it, India & France signed a $ 3.75 billion contract to build six Scorpene class submarines in 2005.

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