New Delhi: INS Sindhuvijay, a Sindhughosh-class submarine of the Indian Navy, is set for a mid-life refit at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, later this year. The move aims to strengthen India’s underwater fleet as operational demands grow in the Indian Ocean Region.
Extending Service Life Through Modernisation
Commissioned in 1991, the diesel-electric submarine last underwent a major overhaul in 2005 at Russia’s Zvezdochka Shipyard. The Ministry of Defence has cleared the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), with the refit contract expected to be signed soon.
The overhaul will include hull repairs, engine refurbishment, integration of advanced weapons, and installation of upgraded sonar and communication suites. These upgrades are designed to extend the submarine’s combat effectiveness by several years.
Capabilities of the Sindhuvijay
INS Sindhuvijay displaces 2,325 tonnes surfaced and 3,076 tonnes submerged. The 73-meter vessel has an operational range of 6,000 nautical miles at 7 knots while snorkeling and can dive to depths of 300 meters.
Armed with six 533 mm torpedo tubes, the submarine can deploy 18 torpedoes, 24 naval mines, or Club-S land-attack cruise missiles with a 220 km strike range. It operates with a crew of 53, including 12–13 officers, and has an endurance of 45 days at sea.
Previous Modernisation and Challenges
During its 2005 Russian refit, the submarine was modified to fire Klub-class cruise missiles from torpedo tubes. It also received an indigenous sonar suite and modern communications systems.
Initial trials of the upgraded cruise missiles faced setbacks when test launches failed, delaying acceptance into service. After rectification, the submarine resumed operations with enhanced strike capability.
Strategic Boost for the Navy
This upcoming refit at HSL will be the vessel’s second major overhaul. The program ensures INS Sindhuvijay remains capable against modern underwater and surface threats.
Earlier this year, HSL delivered the overhauled INS Sindhukirti to the Navy. With Sindhuvijay next in line, India is consolidating the combat readiness of its Kilo-class fleet, reinforcing maritime security and deterrence across the Indo-Pacific.
