India Deploys Scorpene-class INS Kalvari Sub

As tensions simmer between India and Pakistan, the former country has deployed indigenously-built Scorpene-class submarine, the INS Kalvari.

It is the first ever operational deployment of the INS Kalvari, as well as limited movement by ground troops to further secure the International Border in the Jammu sector, ET reported Saturday.

“The navy is deployed in high state of readiness and remains poised in all the three dimensions — on surface, under sea and in air; it is learnt that all operational platforms have been at sea and were ordered to be on full standby,” Rear Admiral Gujral said.

The annual Theatre-Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX) exercise has been suspended temporarily owing to the prevailing situation, and is expected to resume only after the tensions cool. 

The exercise was originally planned to be concluded in early March, so over 70 warships, besides combat aircraft and support vessels, are at sea, fully armed and prepared for operations, the report further stated.

The Indian Navy will receive its second Scorpene-class submarine, INS Khanderi, by March or April 2019, Commodore Rakesh Anand, Chairman and MD of Mumbai’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) was quoted by Jane's as saying at Aero India 2019 airshow.

"The third submarine Karanj is also likely to be delivered by end of year 2019. Both Khanderi and Karanj are currently undergoing sea acceptance trials," he added.

The contract for the licensed production of six Scorpene-class submarines was signed on 6 October 2005 under Project 75. Recently, India also approved the acquisition of more than 100 heavyweight torpedoes to be equipped on six Scorpene-class submarines being built in Mumbai, located at the western coast of the country.