INS Vagir is on Extended Range Deployment to Australia

INS Vagir, a submarine belonging to the Indian Navy (IN), is currently engaged in an extended-range deployment. This deployment was initiated in June 2023, and on August 20, 2023, INS Vagir successfully arrived at Fremantle, Australia. As the fifth vessel of the Kalvari class submarines, INS Vagir was officially commissioned into the Indian Navy in January 2023. Its home base is located in Mumbai.

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INS Vagir Sets New Record For Longest Scorpene Submarine Deployment

INS Vagir has accomplished an impressive feat by establishing a new record for the longest deployment of any Scorpene-class submarine.
Covering a substantial distance of 7,000 kilometers, the submarine journeyed to Australia with the purpose of engaging in joint military exercises.
Notably, this endeavor holds historical significance as it marks the maiden deployment of an Indian Scorpene submarine to Australia.
The primary objective is to take part in underwater exercises alongside the Royal Australian Navy, reflecting the ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation and expertise in the domain of maritime defense.

INS Vagir’s Deployment

During its stay in Australia, INS Vagir is set to engage in a series of exercises alongside units of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) on the West Coast of Australia.

Simultaneously, on the East coast of Australia, Indian Naval vessels and aircraft are actively participating in Exercise MALABAR 23, taking place from August 11 to August 21, 2023, followed by Exercise AUSINDEX 23, scheduled from August 22 to August 24, 2023.
This ongoing deployment includes a range of Anti-Submarine exercises at different skill levels, including basic, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Moreover, the RAN submarine and the Indian Naval P8i aircraft are slated to engage in joint exercises alongside INS Vagir.
This concerted effort during the deployment is expected to further strengthen the cooperation and synergy between the Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, promoting mutual proficiency and understanding.

INS Vagir’s Journey

The ongoing deployment serves as a remarkable demonstration of the extensive reach and endurance of Indian Navy (IN) submarines.
Notably, this extended-range deployment marks the first-ever instance of an IN submarine being deployed to Australia.
It aptly highlights the IN’s proficiency and expertise in carrying out sustained operations at considerable distances from the home port over extended periods.

In an earlier segment of the deployment, INS Vagir also made a notable visit to Colombo on June 21, 2023, as part of the observance of the International Day of Yoga. This deployment underscores the IN’s capacity to operate effectively and professionally even in distant waters, showcasing its capabilities and contributing to strengthening international relationships.

About INS Vagir

INS Vagir is the fifth Kalvari-class diesel-electric attack submarine of the Indian Navy. It was commissioned on 23 January 2023 at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.

The Kalvari-class submarines are the first indigenously designed and built submarines in India. They are based on French Scorpène-class submarines. The submarines are equipped with a variety of weapons, including torpedoes, missiles, and mines. They are also equipped with advanced sensors and sonar systems.

INS Vagir is named after the Vagir River in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The river is known for its beauty and its association with the Hindu god Shiva.

Key Features

It is a diesel-electric submarine.
It is 67.5 meters long and 12 meters wide.
It has a displacement of 2,000 tons.
It can travel at a speed of 20 knots submerged and 15 knots surfaced.
It has a range of 10,000 nautical miles.
It can carry a crew of 35.
It is armed with torpedoes, missiles, and mines.

INS Vagir is a powerful and versatile submarine that will be a valuable asset to the Indian Navy. It is a symbol of India’s growing maritime prowess and its commitment to self-reliance.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

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