India launches sixth Scorpene-Class submarine

India has launched its last of six Scorpene-class submarines, the INS Vagsheer, in Mumbai, the navy announced last week.

“The sixth submarine will now commence setting to work of various equipment and their harbour trials,” the Indian Navy said in a statement.

“The crew will thereafter sail the submarine for the rigorous sea acceptance trials after which the submarine would be delivered to the Navy by late next year.”

In October 2005, the country’s shipbuilding agency Mazagon Docks Limited signed a $3.75 billion contract under Project-75 to build the six submarines in collaboration with Naval Group, France.

India has already commissioned the first four vessels: INS Kalvari (2017), INS Khanderi (2019), INS Karanj (2021), and INS Vela (2021). The fifth vessel, Vagir, launched last November, is undergoing sea trials.