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| The Scorpene class diesel electric submarine Kalvari during her launch ceremony (6-4-2015) |
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The first of six Scorpene class diesel - electric submarines started sea trials in Mumbai this week.
The Scorpene-class diesel electric submarine Kalvari has begun extensive sea trials in the waters off Mumbai this week, The Hindustan Times report.
The Kalvari was set afloat this Wednesday at the state-run Mazgaon Docks Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, where it has been built in close collaboration with the French shipbuilder DCNS.
“The accomplishment of this milestone will initiate commencement of sea trials which will eventually lead to the commissioning of the boat into the Indian Navy in September 2016,” rear admiral RK Shrawat, the chairman and managing director of MDL told reporters.
The Indian Navy is slated to receive six Scorpene-class submarines by 2020. MDL officials said that they will deliver one new boat every nine months.
The 67-meter long submarine with a 6.2 meter diameter will be equipped with an air-independent propulsion system, which allows the boat to stay submerged longer making it more difficult to detect.
Read the full story at The Diplomat