The Indian Navy got its third submarine in 24 months as INS Vagir was commissioned into the naval force on 23 January 2023.
'Vagir' means sand shark, and it is the fifth of the Kalvari Class submarines. It has been built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited with technology transfer from France.
The commissioning ceremony in Mumbai was attended by Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar.
INS Vagir is armed with wire-guided torpedoes and sub-surface to surface missiles to take on large enemy fleets.
It can also launch marine commandos for special operations. Vagir's powerful diesel engines can quickly charge batteries for stealth missions, the Navy said.
For self-defence, it has a state-of-the-art torpedo decoy system.
The commissioning of INS Vagir comes amid the increasing presence of the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean.
(With PTI inputs)
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