New Delhi: India has achieved a major milestone in its maritime defence capabilities with the commissioning of INS Vagsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Kalvari-class (Scorpene-class) under Project-75.
The induction of INS Vagsheer into the Indian Navy significantly strengthens the nation’s underwater combat power and reinforces India’s long-term vision of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The commissioning marks the successful completion of one of India’s most ambitious indigenous submarine programmes and reflects the growing maturity of the country’s naval industrial ecosystem.
What is INS Vagsheer
INS Vagsheer is a diesel-electric attack submarine designed for stealth, precision strike, intelligence gathering, and multi-role combat operations.
As the final submarine in the Kalvari-class series, it incorporates several technological refinements based on operational experience gained from its predecessors.
What are the Features of INS Vagsheer
- Conducting anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare
- Launching precision-guided torpedoes and anti-ship missiles
- Performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions
- Operating with high endurance and minimal acoustic signature
With its induction, India’s conventional submarine fleet gains a decisive edge in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
What is Project-75
Project-75 represents a cornerstone of India’s naval modernisation drive. Conceived to build advanced submarines within the country with technology transfer, the programme has played a crucial role in enhancing domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
What are the Key Features of Project-75
- Indigenous construction with foreign collaboration
- Progressive localisation of components and systems
- Skill development for India’s submarine design and production workforce
- Long-term sustainment and lifecycle support within India
The completion of Project-75 with INS Vagsheer demonstrates India’s ability to execute complex defence projects at scale.
Built in India: Role of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
INS Vagsheer has been constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, one of India’s premier defence public sector shipyards. The submarine’s construction involved extensive participation of Indian industries, MSMEs, and technology partners.
About Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited is India’s leading warship and submarine builder, operating under the Ministry of Defence. Based in Mumbai, MDL has played a pivotal role in constructing frontline destroyers, frigates, and submarines for the Indian Navy. With decades of experience in complex naval platforms, MDL is a backbone of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem and a key contributor to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
What is the Significance of INS Vagsheer
The induction of INS Vagsheer significantly boosts India’s undersea deterrence posture, especially amid evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. Conventional submarines remain critical for sea denial, covert operations, and safeguarding maritime interests.
With all six Kalvari-class submarines now operational, the Indian Navy gains:
- Enhanced force readiness
- Improved operational flexibility
- Stronger deterrence against hostile naval activity
- Greater confidence in indigenous defence platforms
INS Vagsheer also serves as a technological and operational bridge toward future submarine programmes, including Project-75(I).
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