INS Vela: Indian Navy to commission indigenously built Scorpene-class submarine
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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Month: Current Affairs - November, 2021