INS Khanderi: In a big boost to Indian Navy’s underwater sea warfare capabilities, defence minister Rajnath Singh Saturday commissioned indigenously built submarine INS Khanderi in the force. INS Khanderi is second of the total five stealth attack submarines of Scorpene class (Project 75) of Indian Navy that will replace Kilo class submarines built by Russia. The first Scorpene class submarine INS Kalvari built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL) was commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017. Three other submarines are under various stages of construction and development.
“We are deeply conscious of the requirements of the armed forces and remain committed in providing requisite focus and financial support for its modernisation,” said defence minister Rajnath Singh at the commissioning ceremony of indigenously built submarine INS Khanderi in Mumbai.
He said due to impetus given by the Modi government for timely acquisition of state-of-the-art weapons, sensors and platforms now the armed forces have more freedom and support to take decisions in the interest of the nation.
“We are committed to make far-reaching changes in our defence preparedness,” said the defence minister.
Why INS Khanderi is so special for Indian Navy
INS Khanderi is the second of Kalvari Class diesel electric attack submarines of the Indian Navy. It has been built in India to the French Scorpene design and is the second submarine of the Project-75.
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Built indigenously by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, INS Khanderi is a lethal addition to Navy’s conventional underwater sea warfare capabilities.
The submarine is designed for silent and stealthy sub-surface operations.
INS Khanderi is the follow-on to INS Kalvari, which was the first of the French origin Scorpene class submarines being indigenously constructed in India and commissioned by the Prime Minister in 2017.
INS Khanderi commissioned.
Details of INS Khanderi
At 67.5 meters long and 12.3 meters high, Khanderi embodies cutting edge technologies that ensure stealthy, silent operations underwater and is equipped with an array of torpedoes, missiles and sensors that enable her to detect, identify and destroy enemy targets.
Development and Trial of INS Khanderi
INS Khanderi was first launched in sea in 2017, the stealth class submarine has undergone comprehensive sea trials, torpedo and missile firings to validate her fighting capability.
She was handed over to the Indian Navy on completion of trials on September 19, 2019.
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The history of INS Khanderi
The name Khanderi is inspired by the dreaded Sword Tooth Fish. A deadly fish known to hunt while swimming close to the bottom of the ocean.
Khanderi is also name of an island fort built by great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a man of great valour, courage and determination. He was one of the first Indian ruler in medieval era to recognise importance of strong Navy. Commissioning of INS Khanderi will bring same valour and sharpness back on sea,” said defence minister Rajnath Singh while explaining the reasons behind choosing this unique name for this stealth submarine.
The first INS Khanderi submarine was commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 6, 1968 and was decommissioned on October 18, 1989 after 20 years of service to the nation.
