India's Fourth Scorpene Sub To Begin Sea Trials on May 6

India's fourth Scorpene-class submarine INS Vela has completed its out fittings and will be launched on May 6 in the Arabian Sea, after which it is set to begin sea trials.

“On May 6, the submarine will touch waters for the first time. Then the sea trials will begin,” a Navy officer said.

The INS Vela is one of the six French-origin Scorpene submarines being built in India, named as the "Kalvari class."

The contract for the licensed production of six Scorpene-class submarines for $3.75 billion was signed in October 2005 under Project 75. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2020.

The technology utilised for construction of the Scorpene class submarines has ensured superior stealth features such as advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimised the shape and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision-guided weapons.

The Scorpene submarines can undertake multifarious types of missions i.e anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance etc. The submarine is designed to operate in all theatres, with means provided to ensure interoperability with other components of a Naval Task Force. It is a potent platform, marking a generational shift in submarine operations.

India has also approved the acquisition of over heavyweight torpedoes to be equipped on these submarines.