GS-2: Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Key words: INS Vela, Scorpene class submarines, project 75, Air Independent Propulsion, Mazedock ltd

Why in News:

“The Indian Navy's fourth stealth Scorpene class submarine, INS Vela, is geared to get commissioned on 25th November 2021,” the Navy said.
What are Scorpene-class submarines?

• The Scorpene class submarines are one of the most advanced conventional submarines in the world. The submarine has superior stealth features, such as advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels and ability to attack with precision-guided weapons on board.

• The Indian Navy intends to use the submarines for missions such as area surveillance, intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and minelaying operations.

• The Scorpene class of submarines were designed by French naval shipbuilding firm DCNS in partnership with Spanish shipbuilding firm Navantia.
  INS Vela:

• Vela, the fourth submarine of P75 ( Scorpene class submarines ) of the Indian Navy.

• The submarine has been built by Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in collaboration with M/s Naval Group of France.

• INS Vela is known to have advanced stealth and combat capabilities when it comes to engaging with the enemy.

• Some of these features are advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimised shape and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision-guided weapons.

Other submarine of this Class:

• The first submarine in the series, INS Kalvari, was launched in October 2015 and was commissioned in December 2017 - five years behind schedule. The second one, INS Khanderi, was launched in January 2017 for trials and commissioned in September 2019. The third submarine, INS Karanj, was launched in January 2018 and commissioned on March 10, 2021. INS Vela is the fourth one.

• The fifth one, INS Vagir, was launched in November 2020 and has commenced harbour trials. It is expected to go for its maiden surface sortie in December 2021. The sixth submarine, INS Vagsheer, is in the advanced stage of outfitting.

Project 75:

• Under this project, the Indian Navy intends to acquire 6 diesel electric submarines, which will also feature advanced Air Independent Propulsion (AIP).

• Conceptualised for the acquisition for 25 submarines at the time of the IK Gujral government, P 75 evolved into a 30-year plan for building submarines. • In 2005, India and France signed a $ 3.75 billion contract for building six Scorpene class submarines.

• The executing company on the Indian side is Mazgaon Docks Ltd, and on the French side, it is DCNS, which is now called Naval Group.

• The project has been dogged by delays and questions over the reluctance of the French government to act on the commitment for “transfer of technology” that was an integral part of the contract. But finally France agreed on transfer of technology.

Way forward:

With the launch of INS Vela, India can engage in offensive operations across the entire spectrum of naval warfare, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying and area surveillance. This further cements india’s position as a Submarine Building Nation. This is totally in sync with the current impetus of the Government towards Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Sources: The Hindu

Q. Consider the following statements about Scorpene class submarines:

1. Scorpene class submarines are nuclear power submarines with Air-independent propulsion system.

2. Scorpene class submarines built and developed by Mazedock shipbuilding ltd.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) 1 and 2 only

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: D