The Indian Navy is set to commission its sixth and final Kalvari-class submarine, Vagsheer, in December. The vessel, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, is undergoing its final testing phases. Part of Project 75, valued at Rs 23,562 crore, the Kalvari-class submarines have been constructed with technology transferred from the French firm Naval Group. These diesel-electric attack submarines are capable of conducting a range of missions, including the destruction of enemy vessels, long-range strikes, special operations, and intelligence gathering.
Discussions are currently underway between India and France regarding the construction of three additional submarines of the same class at MDL. This move is part of India’s broader efforts to enhance its maritime capabilities in the Indian Ocean region, where strategic balance remains a key focus.
In related developments, on August 29, the Navy commissioned its second indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighat, in Visakhapatnam. This vessel is part of India’s growing nuclear submarine fleet, which also includes the Arihant-class submarines. The third vessel in this class, Aridhaman (S-4), is expected to be inducted next year. Additional units in this series are planned, with the aim of further strengthening India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.
The Navy has also opened a submarine rescue training facility at INS Satavahana in Visakhapatnam, designed to support rapid response efforts for submarines in distress, including those from the Kalvari class.