Introducing INS Vaghsheer: The Next Chapter in India’s Kalvari-Class Submarine Odyssey

On 15 January 2025, INS Vaghsheer, the sixth submarine of the P75 Kalvari-class, was officially integrated into the Indian Navy during a ceremony honored by the Esteemed Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The event was also attended by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, PVSM, AVSM, NM, along with many other high-ranking officials. Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman & CEO of Naval Group, was present along with a team from Naval Group representing both France and India, to commemorate this remarkable milestone.

INS Vaghsheer is fabricated by the Indian shipyard Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), employing the Naval Group’s Scorpene® framework.

Launched on 20 April 2022, INS Vaghsheer has effectively concluded its sea trials and is now part of its sister submarines, INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, and INS Vagir, which were commissioned in December 2017, September 2019, March 2021, November 2021, and January 2023, respectively.

Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman & CEO, stated: “We are honored to partake in the success of the P75 program, a pivotal element of the Indo-French strategic partnership and a notable milestone in India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission. Naval Group remains unwavering in its dedication to support the Indian Navy through forthcoming projects with domestic industrial partners.”

The commissioning of INS Vaghsheer highlights the success of India’s self-reliant submarine construction program. This vessel has been entirely manufactured by MDL, with technology transfer from Naval Group, in accordance with the Indian Government’s “Make in India” initiative. The set of six submarines in the P75 program is outfitted with a range of systems developed locally by proficient and highly skilled enterprises, including Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). MDL and Naval Group have cultivated a rich industrial ecosystem comprising over 50 Indian firms, with an Indian subsidiary employing more than 70 Indian engineers to enhance the Indian Navy.

This strategic alliance boosts industrial and technological self-sufficiency while unveiling fresh market possibilities for local industries, showcasing their competencies acquired through the program. Thus, Naval Group plays a crucial role in building a resilient Indian naval industrial ecosystem.

The Scorpene®, a modern, high-capacity, and stealthy submarine

The Scorpene® is a 2000-ton conventional propulsion submarine designed and developed by Naval Group for various missions, including surface warfare, anti-submarine operations, long-range assaults, special missions, and intelligence gathering. Exhibiting exceptional stealth and speed, it incorporates a level of automation that facilitates a smaller crew size, significantly reducing operating costs. Its combat capabilities are enhanced by its six weapon launch tubes and capacity to carry 18 armaments (torpedoes, missiles).

With 14 submarines currently operational or under construction globally, and over five additional submarines set to commence production soon, the Scorpene® serves as a critical benchmark for conventional attack submarines (SSK) among navies worldwide. The design is easily customizable to meet the specific needs of any naval client. Ongoing improvements by Naval Group’s dedicated and skilled designers guarantee the seamless integration of advanced technology.

Naval Group, a dedicated ally of India

Naval Group functions in India via its wholly-owned subsidiary, Naval Group India. Established in September 2008, Naval Group India aims to facilitate the indigenization of equipment for the Scorpene® submarine, develop the Indian defense ecosystem, and offer design services in India with proficient local engineers.

Naval Group India endeavors to accomplish the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and evolve into a center of excellence for the support and maintenance of P75 submarines by further empowering Indian industries and creating a robust ecosystem that addresses the diverse defense requirements of the nation.