Shiv Kumar
Tribune News Service
Mumbai, September 28

India’s second Kalvari-class submarine INS Khanderi was on Saturday commissioned into the Indian Navy at a function here in the presence of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

According to the Indian Navy, the Khanderi is the second of its six Kalvari-class submarines which are being built in India. Designed by French defence company DCNS, the Kalvari-class submarines are
diesel-electric attack submarines with stealth features.

The submarines will be equipped with precision guided weapons like torpedoes, tube-launched anti-ship missiles which can be launched from under water as well as on the surface of the sea.

The submarine can be deployed in a variety of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance, according to the Indian Navy.

Speaking on the occasion, Singh said the construction of the submarine would take Indian partnership with French technology providers to greater heights. “The construction of this submarine in India is benefiting a number of Indian industries through the Make in India
program,” Singh said.

Singh also praised the Indian Navy of eradicating piracy in international waters. “Our Navy has done great work in the eliminating piracy in the region. The impact of this is visible in the trade in the region,” the Minister added.

The submarine was built by Mazgaon Dock Limited and underwent sea trials for over two-and-a-half years before its commissioning, according to the Navy.

In his speech, Singh said the name Khanderi was inspired by the Sword Tooth fish which is known to hunt while swimming in the ocean’s depths.

The Minister also used the occasion to hit out at Pakistan. “Pakistan should understand that we can deliver a big blow to it with additions like the INS Khanderi,” Singh said.

He further added that attempts by some countries to carry out Mumbai-style attacks along India’s coast would not be allowed to succeed.

Singh was due to inaugurate the Navy’s biggest dry dock later in the day.