INS Vagir Submarine in News

 

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Introduction to the INS Vagir Submarine

INS Vagir Submerine: INS Vagir, the Indian Navy's fifth Kalvari-class submarine, has recently made headlines due to its groundbreaking maiden deployment to Australia. It’s fine news that could be out to the Important Question to the UPSC Prelims. This topic is important to the UPSC Prelims as per current affairs and Indian Navy News.

Now, it’s become crucial for us to know about INS Vagir Submarine and this news in detail. We need to get updated on this news so this Important topic for UPSC Prelims can’t remain untouched by us.

So, let’s start-

  

Why INS Vagir Submarine is in News?

INS Vagir, the Indian Navy's fifth Kalvari-class submarine, has recently made headlines due to its groundbreaking maiden deployment to Australia. This deployment, which began in June and culminated in its arrival at Fremantle on August 20, 2023, holds significant importance from a UPSC perspective for several reasons:

 

1.       Diplomatic and Strategic Milestone

INS Vagir's extended-range deployment to Australia marks a diplomatic milestone as it strengthens India's ties with key nations in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

2.       Naval Capability and Professional Acumen

The successful deployment of INS Vagir showcases India's naval capabilities, its professionalism, and its ability to sustain operations at extended ranges.

 

3.       Participation in Multinational Exercises

INS Vagir's participation in various exercises with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) highlights India's commitment to enhancing cooperation and synergy with international partners.

 

4.       Maritime Diplomacy

The deployment of INS Vagir is part of India's broader maritime diplomacy efforts.

 

5.       Potential UPSC Question

Given its significance in diplomatic, strategic, and naval contexts, INS Vagir's deployment could potentially be a topic of interest in the UPSC Prelims.

 

Facts Related to INS Vagir Submarine

There are some facts that need to be known by the general public and UPSC aspirants for sure. We have listed a few of them accordingly…

Facts	Information
Name	INS Vagir (S25)
Class	Kalvari-class submarine
Made By	Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
Made At	Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, India
Displacement (Surfaced)	1,615 tonnes
Displacement (Submerged)	1,775 tonnes
Length	67.5 meters
Beam	6.2 meters
Height	12.3 meters
Propulsion	4 x MTU 12V 396 SE84 diesel engines; 360 battery cells
Speed (Surfaced)	11 knots (20 km/h)
Speed (Submerged)	20 knots (37 km/h)
Range (Surfaced) (15 km/h)	6,500 nautical miles at 8 knots
Range (Submerged)	550 nautical miles at 4 knots (7.4 km/h)
Endurance	50 days
Test Depth	350 meters

What is INS Vagir Submarine?

INS Vagir (S25) is a distinguished member of the Kalvari-class of submarines in the Indian Navy's fleet. This diesel-electric attack submarine is designed to operate silently beneath the ocean's surface, making it a vital component of India's maritime defense strategy.

 

Features of INS Vagir Submarine

1.    Class and Type: INS Vagir is classified under the Kalvari-class submarines. These submarines are known for their advanced technology, stealth capabilities, and versatility in various naval operations.

2.    Displacement: When surfaced, INS Vagir has a displacement of 1,615 tonnes, which increases to 1,775 tonnes when submerged. This demonstrates its ability to operate effectively in both conditions.

3.    Dimensions: The submarine measures approximately 67.5 meters in length, 6.2 meters in beam, and stands at a height of 12.3 meters. Its draught is approximately 5.8 meters.

4.    Propulsion: INS Vagir is powered by four MTU 12V 396 SE84 diesel engines and is equipped with 360 battery cells. Additionally, it will incorporate the DRDO PAFC Fuel Cell AIP (Air-Independent Propulsion) in a mid-life refit, enhancing its endurance and stealth capabilities.

5.    Speed and Range: The submarine can reach speeds of up to 11 knots (20 km/h) on the surface and 20 knots (37 km/h) when submerged. It has an impressive operational range of 6,500 nautical miles at 8 knots while surfaced and 550 nautical miles at 4 knots when submerged.

6.    Endurance: With an endurance of 50 days, INS Vagir is capable of undertaking extended missions, a crucial aspect of naval operations.

7.    Test Depth: The submarine can safely operate at depths of up to 350 meters (1,150 feet), allowing it to navigate the ocean's depths effectively. 

8.    Crew: INS Vagir has a crew complement of 8 officers and 35 sailors, highlighting the importance of efficient crew management in naval operations. 

9.    Electronic Warfare and Armament: The submarine is equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems, including the C303/S anti-torpedo countermeasure system. It features 6 x 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of carrying 18 SUT torpedoes or SM.39 Exocet anti-ship missiles.

10.    Significance for UPSC Aspirants: INS Vagir's advanced technology, role in maritime security, and international deployments make it a topic of relevance for UPSC aspirants preparing for the Prelims examination.

History of INS Vagir

INS Vagir (S25) has a notable history that underscores its significance in India's naval landscape. Understanding its historical background is crucial for UPSC aspirants, as it sheds light on India's commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities.

Here's a brief overview:-

1.    Order and Construction (2005): The journey of INS Vagir began in 2005 when the Indian Navy placed an order for the submarine. It was constructed with precision and expertise by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, a prominent Indian shipyard located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

2.    Launch (12 November 2020): A significant milestone in INS Vagir's history occurred on November 12, 2020, when it was ceremoniously launched.

3.    Acquisition (20 December 2022): After rigorous testing and preparations, INS Vagir was officially acquired by the Indian Navy on December 20, 2022.

4.    Commissioning (23 January 2023): The culmination of its construction and testing phases occurred when INS Vagir was commissioned into active service with the Indian Navy on January 23, 2023.

5.    Current Status: INS Vagir is in active service with the Indian Navy, stationed at the Western Naval Command in Mumbai. It represents a vital component of India's naval defense capabilities.

  

FAQ’s related to INS Vagir Submarine

Q. What is INS Vagir's primary role in the Indian Navy?

Answer. INS Vagir serves as a diesel-electric attack submarine, primarily tasked with underwater operations, including surveillance, intelligence gathering, and defense.

 

Q. What is the significance of INS Vagir's extended-range deployment to Australia?

Answer. The deployment showcases India's maritime capabilities, strengthens diplomatic ties, and highlights its professional acumen in sustained operations, making it relevant from a strategic UPSC perspective.

 

Q. What are the dimensions of INS Vagir?

Answer. INS Vagir is approximately 67.5 meters long, 6.2 meters wide, and has a height of 12.3 meters.

 

Q. How deep can INS Vagir submerge?

Answer. The submarine can safely operate at depths of up to 350 meters (1,150 feet).

 

Q. What is the maximum speed of INS Vagir when surfaced and submerged?

Answer. INS Vagir can reach speeds of 11 knots (20 km/h) when surfaced and 20 knots (37 km/h) when submerged.

 

Q. What armaments does INS Vagir carry?

Answer. INS Vagir is equipped with 6 x 533 mm torpedo tubes that can carry 18 SUT torpedoes or SM.39 Exocet anti-ship missiles. It can also be configured to carry up to 30 mines.

 

Q. Where is INS Vagir currently stationed?

Answer. INS Vagir is based at the Western Naval Command in Mumbai, India.

 

Q. What is the role of INS Vagir in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises during its deployment?

Answer. INS Vagir participates in basic, intermediate, and advanced-level ASW exercises, enhancing its proficiency and contributing to naval defense strategies.

 

Q. What is the endurance of INS Vagir?

Answer. INS Vagir has an impressive endurance of 50 days, enabling it to undertake extended missions.

 

Q. Why is INS Vagir's deployment to Australia significant for India's maritime diplomacy?

Answer. INS Vagir's deployment to Australia strengthens India's maritime diplomacy, fosters international cooperation, and highlights its commitment to safeguarding maritime interests, making it a topic of interest for UPSC aspirants.