India commissions fourth Kalvari sub
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Vela, its fourth Kalvari-class submarine, in a ceremony in Mumbai on 25 November. (Indian Navy)
The Indian Navy’s submarine-building programme has now reached the two-thirds point, with a fourth boat commissioned.
On 25 November, the Indian Navy (IN) commissioned its fourth of sixth Scorpene submarines, INS Vela. The move follows close on the heels of the commissioning of the first-of-class Visakhapatnam-class destroyer four days earlier.
Part of the Kalvari class, this 1,615t submarine built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), with assistance from the French OEM Naval Group, was launched on 6 May 2019. After completing sea trials, it was delivered to the IN on 9 November.
The 67.56m-long INS Vela is the second to join the navy this year, after INS Karanj was inducted at Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production]()
US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production
The US Department of War’s US$76.6 billion Columbia-and Virginia-class submarine contract gives industry demand certainty as Washington seeks to rebuild its shipbuilding base.
-
![US Navy begins SPY-6(V)4 radar testing ahead of first Arleigh Burke destroyer backfit]()
US Navy begins SPY-6(V)4 radar testing ahead of first Arleigh Burke destroyer backfit
Wallops Island trials will validate the next-generation radar's combat system integration before its installation aboard USS Pinckney, the first Flight IIA destroyer to receive the SPY-6(V)4 upgrade.
-
![Hanwha Ocean deepens US ties and eyes Saudi submarine prospect after Canada setback]()
Hanwha Ocean deepens US ties and eyes Saudi submarine prospect after Canada setback
Hanwha Ocean is deepening ties with the US and eyeing a submarine opportunity in Saudi Arabia, as South Korea looks to convert its Canadian defeat into export momentum.
-
![A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel]()
A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel
Kraken Technology Group’s A400M airdrop of a K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel points to a new way for navies to insert USVs into contested waters, bypassing ports and motherships.
-
![Babcock onshores 85% of Canada’s submarine supply chain as it eyes future CPSP programme]()
Babcock onshores 85% of Canada’s submarine supply chain as it eyes future CPSP programme
By moving most of the Royal Canadian Navy’s submarine supply chain into Canada, Babcock Canada is driving to strengthen sovereign sustainment capabilities while preparing to compete to maintain the future Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
