Prime Minister Modi has commissioned INS Kalvari, India’s deadliest submarine into the Indian Navy fleet in a ceremony that was held in Mumbai. This is first of the six Scorpene-class submarines in Indian Navy and was indigenously built in Mumbai at Mazgaon Dock Limited in September. In the last 120 days, the vessel has gone through a series of extensive trials and tests.
The ceremony was also attended by several other dignitaries including Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and top defense officials. During the occasion, PM Modi coined the acronym SAGAR- “Security And Growth for All in the Region”. He also said that 21st century is Asia’s century and its development would have to go through India.
Source: Livemint
Talking about the submarine, INS Kalvari has superior stealth features like advanced acoustic silencing technique, low radiated noise level and a hydro dynamically-optimized shape. Besides, it is also equipped with Weapons Launching Tubes. The weapons carried on board can be easily reloaded at the sea by the help of its special handling and loading equipment. The vessel derived its name from Kalvari, which is a tiger shark found in the Indian Ocean.
At the ceremony, PM Modi thanked all the workers associated with the INS Kalvari and also regarded it as a fine example of fast-growing strategic partnership between India and France. He also said that India is fighting all sea threats whether it’s terrorism, drug smuggling or illegal fishing. He added that Indian defense sector is open to foreign direct investment.
Source: Rediff
Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defined submarines as lethal and potent platforms in the modern-day warfare. She also said that INS Kalvari is going to be an invaluable asset to the Indian Navy.
