Indian Navy’s Second Scorpene-class Stealth Submarine Launched

Khanderi, the second of Indian Navy’s Scorpene’ class stealth submarine, was ‘launched’ paving the way for her sea trials.

The submarine is expected to be delivered to Navy by the year end. She has been christened after her illustrious predecessor, an erstwhile ‘Foxtrot’ class submarine decommissioned in 1989, which is as per the traditions of Indian Navy.

The construction of six Scorpene submarines is presently being progressed at Mazagon Dock Shipyard Limited (MDL), under Project 75 with Transfer of Technology from M/s DCNS, France as the Collaborator. The first of the class submarine, Kalvari is presently undergoing sea trials and likely to be commissioned into Navy by Mid-2017. These submarines, post induction, would form the core of Navy’s conventional Submarine Arm.

Defense Minister of State Dr Subhash Bhamre launched the submarine. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, witnessed the launch at Mazagon Dock Shipyard Limited today.

The launching of Khanderi also marks a critical milestone event for the Shipyard which earlier has delivered two Shishumar class submarines in the 90’s and has now strengthened its position as a submarine building yard for Indian Navy. Started as a small dry dock facility for East India Company, MDL today has established itself as a forefront Defence Public Sector Undertaking, with indigenous construction of several ships and submarines for Navy such as P 15 B Destroyers and P 17 A class stealth Frigates being the latest.