Fourth Scorpene Class Submarine ‘Vela’ Launched
INS Vela is the 4th submarine to be launched by MDL after entering into a contract for the construction and transfer-of-technology for six Scorpene class submarine
Vela, the fourth Scorpene class submarine of the Indian Navy, being constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), was launched on 6 May 2019. The submarine was towed to Mumbai Port Trust, for separation from the pontoon, after which she will undergo rigorous trials and tests, both in harbour and at sea before delivery to the Indian Navy, according to a statement from the Navy spokesperson.
The chief guest on the occasion was Ajay Kumar, IAS, secretary defence production, while his wife, Veena Ajay Kumar, performed the launch ceremony. VAdm AK Saxena, CWP&A was also present during the launching ceremony. “This event reaffirms the steps taken by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) in the ongoing ‘Make in India’ programme, which is being actively implemented by the Department of Defence Production (MoD),” the statement said.
The contract for the construction and transfer-of-technology for six Scorpene class submarines in series, has M/s Naval Group (formerly DCNS) of France as ‘Collaborator’ and are being built by MDL.
Cmde Rakesh Anand, chairman and managing director, MDL said on the occasion that with the launching of the P15 B Destroyer ‘Imphal’ on 20 April 2019 and the launch of Vela on 6 May 2019, were indeed some of the major events for MDL so far this year.
At present, eight warships and five submarines are under construction at MDL, which is one of the India’s leading shipyards with a capacity to meet requirements of the Indian Navy.
The Scorpene class of submarines can undertake multifarious tasks typically undertaken by any modern submarine, which include anti-surface as well as anti-submarine warfare. The transfer-of-technology involves appropriate technical support by Naval Group to MDL in the field of construction, integration and tests of the submarines in India, which is achieved through transfer of technical data package to MDL through information system as well as on job training to MDL’s personnel on critical technologies.
Leveraging the experience and the transfer-of-technology of the Scorpene project, with enhanced and upgraded infrastructure, MDL, is ready for undertaking construction of the future submarines.