Vagir, the erstwhile hunter of the deep, was commissioned back on 1 November, 1973. The Indian naval U-boat had undertaken numerous operational missions, including deterrent patrols. The submarine was decommissioned on 7 January 2001, after serving the nation for about three decades. Reinstituted and named on 12 November 2020, the new Vagir has the distinction of having the lowest build time among all indigenously manufactured submarines.
She undertook her maiden sea sortie on 22 February, marking the commencement of sea trials. She has undergone comprehensive acceptance checks and stringent and demanding sea trials before being commissioned on the 23 January, 2023.
Indian Navy is set to commission the fifth Kalvari class submarine on Monday, Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, will be the Chief Guest for the ceremony.
These submarines are being built in India by the Mazagon DockShipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, collaborating with M/s Naval Group, France. Four of the Kalvari class of submarines have already been commissioned into the Indian Navy.
The new Vagir was delivered to Indian Navy by M/s MDL on 20 December 2022.
Vagir, the ferocious fifth, will boost the Naval capability to further Indias maritime interests and can undertake diverse missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, and surveillance missions.
Coming to her crest, a ‘sand shark’ symbolizes Vagir. The sand shark represents ‘stealth and fearlessness, two qualities synonymous with a submarines ethos.
The induction of Vagir is another step towards the Indian Navy consolidating its position as a builders Navy. It also reflects MDLs premiership and submarine-building yard capabilities.