Furthering India’s reputation as a self-dependent and submarine building nation, the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL) successfully delivered the fourth Scorpene Submarine ‘Vela’ of Project P-75 to the Indian Navy on Tuesday. This vessel, built domestically by MDL under the ambit of ‘Make In India’ initiative was launched at the state-owned firm Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited’s (MDL) premise in Mumbai.
INS Vela succeeds Kalvari, Khanderi & Karanja
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Commissioned as INS Vela, this submarine was preceded by Kalvari, Khanderi, and Karanja, whereas two submarines are yet to be delivered by MDL. The acceptance papers were signed by the former Vice-Admiral Narayan Prasad, who is Chairman and Managing Director of MDL and Rear Admiral K.P. Arvindan. Additionally, dignitaries from Indian Navy and MDL were also present in this event.
Notably, the fifth submarine of this series named ‘Vagir’, was launched on November 12, last year. While the fifth vessel in the fleet has commenced harbour trials it is expected to go for its maiden surface sortie on December 21. Additionally, the sixth and the last one is in the advanced stage of outfitting currently. The fact that two SSK submarines built by MDL in 1992 and 1994 are still functional today is an attestation to MDL’s top-class quality of construction. Moreover, MDL is currently carrying out a Medium Refit and Life Certification of INS Shishumar, the first SSK submarine as well.
