Indian Navy launches third Scorpene Class Submarine INS Karanj

INS Karanj, the third Scorpene class submarine constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, was launched by the Indian Navy on January 31, 2018.

The submarine was launched by Reena Lanba, President of Navy Wives Welfare Association following the recitation of Sanskrit shlokas from the Atharva Veda and traditional ceremonies associated with the launch of naval platforms.

Following the launch, the submarine was towed to Mumbai Port Trust for separation from the pontoon. INS Karanj will now undergo rigorous trials and tests, both in harbour and at sea before it is commissioned into the Navy.

How Scorpene submarines work?
• The modern technology utilised for construction of the Scorpene class submarines ensures superior stealth features such as advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels and hydro-dynamically optimized shape.

• These submarines have the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons. The attack can be launched with both torpedoes and tube launched anti-ship missiles, while underwater or on surface.

• Scorpene submarines can undertake diverse types of missions such as Anti-Surface warfare, Anti-Submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance etc.

• The submarine is designed to operate in all theatres with means provided to ensure interoperability with other components of a Naval Task Force.

Background
The construction and Transfer-of-Technology for six Scorpene submarines in series has been undertaken by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Naval Group (formerly DCNS) of France as ‘Collaborator’.

Earlier in January 2017, INS Khanderi, the second Scorpene class submarine, was launched by the Indian Navy and is currently undergoing the rigorous phase of sea trials and is also scheduled to be delivered shortly. Later on December 14, 2017, the first Scorpene class submarine INS Kalvari was commissioned into the Indian Navy.