Second Kalvari class submarine Khanderi launched - Know how robust it is

Mumbai: Khanderi, the second Kalvari class submarine, was launched at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) here on Thursday.

Union Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre presided over the function to initiate the launch of Khanderi (Yard 11876).

Bhamre, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, top defence and Navy officials were present to witness the momentous development as the country entered the golden jubilee year of the navy's submarine arm in 2017.

Speaking on the occasion, Bhamre said, “I am confident that the day is not too far when MDL will build submarines for other nations as well.”

"Project 75 Kalvari is a key milestone in self reliance and indigenisation for the country," Bhamre said.

Comparing INS Khanderi with the best submarines in the world, Admiral Lanba said it speaks highly of the experience and expertise our shipbuilders have gained over the years and marks the beginning of a new chapter in India's submarine capabilities.

India joined the exclusive group of submarine constructing nations on February 7, 1992, with the commissioning of the first Indian-built submarine, INS Shalki.

MDL built this submarine and went on to commission another submarine, INS Shankul on May 28, 1994. These submarines are still in service today.

The state-of-art features of the Scorpene submarines include superior stealth and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons.

The attack can be launched with torpedoes as well as tube launched anti-ship missiles whilst underwater or on surface.

It can undertake multifarious types of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying and area surveillance, which are typically undertaken by any modern submarine.

The boat is named after the first Khanderi, a diesel-electric submarine which was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1968, and decommissioned in 1989.

In 2005, India purchased six Scorpene submarines for USD 3 billion.