The Prime naval submarine INS Kalvari was dedicated to nation at Mumbai. The INS Kalvari is a diesel-electric attack submarine that has been built for the Indian Navy by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
It is the first of six such submarines that will be inducted into the Indian Navy, and represents a significant success for the “Make in India” initiative.
The project has been undertaken with French collaboration.
INS Kalvari (S50) is the first of the Indian Navy’s six Kalvari-class submarines being built in India. It is a diesel-electric attack submarine which is designed by DCNS (French naval defence and energy company) and being manufactured at Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai.
The construction of the Submarine, designated as MDL Yard 11875 commenced with the first cutting of steel at MDL on 14 Dec 2006.
INS Kalvari has been named after fierce deep sea predator Tiger Shark. This is a step forward for the Indian Navy for building a strong underwater fighting force. India has just about 15 submarines, a mix of Russian-origin Kilo class vessels and German HDW submarines.
Kalvari is also equipped with Weapons Launching Tubes (WLT), and it can carry weapons on board which can be easily reloaded at sea, through special handling and loading equipment.
Kalvari has a superior stealth technology compared to previous diesel-electric submarines. She can also launch attacks through precision guided weapons including torpedoes or tube launched anti-ship missiles. Other activities include mine laying, area surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and intelligence gathering.
The Boat’s undersea warfare capability comprises a cluster of advanced weapons and sensors integrated into the Submarine Tactical Integrated Combat System (SUBTICS). The sonar suite is Low Frequency Analysis and Ranging (LOFAR) capable enabling long rage detection and classification.
Post classification, she may choose to engage the enemy by utilising either the sea skimming SM 39 EXOCET missiles (Flying Fish in French) or the heavy weight wire guided Surface and Underwater Target (SUT) torpedoes. Towards self-defence, she is fitted with mobile C303/S anti-torpedo decoys.
The boats attack and search periscopes are equipped with Infrared/ Low Light Level cameras and Laser Range finders. The boat also has her two 1250 kW MAN Diesel Engines for rapidly charging batteries. The submarine boasts of a highly advanced Combat Management System and a sophisticated Integrated Platform Management System.
