The third Scorpene-class submarine Karanj was delivered to the Indian Navy on Monday.
The Scorpene-class submarines are being built by the Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL).
The delivery of three submarines namely – INS Khanderi, INS Kalvari and now Karanj - reaffirmed India’s membership in the exclusive group of submarine building nations.
INS Khandari and INS Kalvari were commissioned on 14 December, 2017 and 28 September, 2019, respectively.
Karanj will subsequently be commissioned into the Indian Navy.
The fourth submarine Vela was launched on 06 May, 2019, has commenced her sea trials, while the fifth submarine Vagir, was launched on 12 November 2020 and has commenced her harbour sea trials.
The sixth submarine is presently in the advance stage of outfitting.
The Acceptance Document was signed by Vice Admiral (Retd) Narayan Prasad, Chairman and Managing Director, MDL and Rear Admiral B Sivakumar, Chief of Staff Officer, Western Naval Command in the presence of top officials.
With the delivery of Karanj, India further cements its position as a submarine building nation and MDL has lived up to its reputation as one of India’s leading shipyards with capacity and capability to meet requirements and aspirations of the Indian Navy in all dimensions.
“Two SSK submarines built by MDL in 1992 and 1994 are still in service today, after more than 25 years a clear testimony of MDL’s quality of construction. MDL also achieved expertise in submarine refits by successfully executing the Medium Refit-cum-Upgradation of all the four SSK class submarines of the Indian Navy. It is presently carrying out the Medium Refit and Life Certification of INS Shishumar, the first SSK submarine,” an MDL spokesperson said.