The third Scorpene class submarine INS Karanj was launched today at Mumbai's Mazagon Docks in the presence of Navy chief Admrial Sunil Lanba.
Karanj is the third of the six Scorpene-class submarines being built by Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) under the Project 75 programme. While the first Scorpene-class submarine INS Kalvari was commissioned on December 14, 2017 the second Scorpene-class submarine INS Khanderi, was launched on January 12, 2017, is undergoing the rigorous phase of sea trials and is expected to be commissioned later this year.
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.
Leveraging the experience and the transfer-of-technology of the Scorpene project, with enhanced and upgraded infrastructure, MDL, is ready for undertaking construction of the next generation submarines.
The contract for the construction and Transfer-of-Technology for six Scorpene submarines in series has Naval Group (formerly DCNS) of France as 'Collaborator' and are being built by MDL.
(With ANI inputs)
