Vaghsheer, the Indian Navy’s sixth and final Kalvari class submarine, has begun its sea trials and is anticipated to be commissioned into the force by early next year.

The submarine’s commissioning under Project-75 is expected to boost the Navy’s combat capability at a time when China is strengthening its presence in the Indian Ocean region.

The Navy announced, “The sixth submarine of Project-75 commenced her sea trials on May 18”.

Following the completion of the sea testing, Vaghsheer will be delivered to the Indian Navy in early 2024.

The submarine was launched in April of last year at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin.

India has been working on strengthening its maritime capacity with an emphasis on the Indian Ocean, amid concerns over China’s growing forays into the region, which is Indian Navy’s backyard.

Six submarines will be built in-house as part of Project-75.

The submarines are being built at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in conjunction with the Naval Group of France. The Indian Navy has already received five Kalvari class submarines.

In a statement, the Navy said, “The MDL has delivered three submarines of Project-75 in 24 months and the commencement of sea trials of the sixth submarine is a significant milestone. This is indicative of the boost towards ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India)”.

”The submarine will now undergo intense trials of all its systems at sea, these include propulsion systems, weapons, and sensors”, the Navy added.

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