2nd Scorpene submarine expected to be commissioned into service by Sep-Oct: Navy chief

India's second Kalvari-class Scorpene submarine is expected to be commissioned into service by September-October this year, Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh said on Thursday. He was interacting with reporters on the sidelines of an international seminar on shipbuilding here.

INS Khanderi, the second Kalvari-class Scorpene submarine that has superior stealth and the ability to launch a crippling attack with torpedoes as well as tube-launched anti-ship missiles whilst underwater or on surface, was launched at the Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) in Mumbai in January 2017. For submarines like EKMs (Russian made Kilo-class), the Navy is going for MRLC (Medium Refit with Life Certification), he said in response to a question.

"For Scorpenes, we are moving well. The first one is already is service, and the second one is expected to be commissioned by September-October of this year," the Navy chief told reporters. The state-of-the-art features of this Kalvari-class Scorpene submarine include superior stealth and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision guided weapon.

The attack can be launched with torpedoes, as well as tube-launched anti-ship missiles, whilst underwater or on surface. The stealth features will give it an invulnerability, unmatched by many submarines. The submarine is designed to operate in all theatres, including the tropics. All means and communications are provided to ensure interoperability with other components of a naval task force.

It can undertake multifarious types of missions typically undertaken by any modern submarine, i.e anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying and area surveillance. Admiral Singh has said that negotiations are proceeding on the procurement of naval multi-role helicopters and the contract could be finalised soon. "The LOR (letter of request) and LOA (letter of acceptance) procedures are on and we should be ready by the end of the year," he said at the sidelines of the FICCI seminar.

These helicopters will have the capability to engage in anti-submarine warfare. MRHs are an integral part of the frontline warships such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates and corvettes. On Project 75 and Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH), he said these two strategic partnership models are "extremely important to us".

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