Submarine INS Kalvari set afloat for sea trials
Kalvari, which was constructed by the Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai, was on Wednesday separated from the pontoon and set afloat. The submarine, which has been built with French collaboration, returned back to the Mazgaon Dock on Thursday
mumbai Updated: Oct 29, 2015 20:35 IST
Aday after thefirst of the Scorpene class submarines ‘Kalvari’ was set afloat, its builder Mazgaon Dock (MDL) on Thursday said the indigenously built asset will now undergo extensive sea trials before beingcommissioned into the Navy late next year.
“The accomplishment of this milestone willinitiate commencement of sea trials which willeventually lead to thecommissioning of the boat into the Indian Navy in September 2016,” rear admiral RK Shrawat, chairman and managing director of MDL told reporters in Mumbai.
Kalvari, which was constructed by the Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders, was on Wednesday separated from the pontoon and set afloat. The submarine, which has been built with French collaboration, returned back to the Mazgaon Dock on Thursday.
It was undocked by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in April this year.
The Kalvari is the first of six submarines in the class being built by MDL in an extremely delayed project.
Read more: India’s Scorpene programme set to enter its most crucial phase
MDL officials said they woulddeliver one submarine every nine months from Mumbaiand expect to complete the order by 2020.
Even though it is powered by diesel, the 67-metre long submarine with a6.2 metre diameter has been designed to minimise noise and act with stealth in war theatres, the officials said.
A technology, called air independent propulsion system, will ensure that it stays underwater longer. It will be carrying anti-ship missiles and torpedoes on board.
The submarines are being built under a technology transfer from French company DCNS in the deal which some reports pegged at US$ 3 billion. PTI
