India launched its own Scorpene-class diesel-electric attack submarine

By TOC On Nov 12, 2020

NEW DELHI, (BM) – The Indian Navy has launched the fifth Scorpene-class diesel-electric attack submarine, which was manufactured in the country, learned BulgarianMilitary.com learned, citing information in the local Indian press.

The INS Vagir Scorpene class was launched on November 12, and according to military experts in the area, the success of local production of Indian submarines is due to the long-term work of the French company Naval Group and the transfer of technology it has implemented locally. The manufacturer of the new attacking submarine is the Indian shipyard Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited [MDL]

The launch of INS Vagir brings significant success to the Indian economy, as in addition to the main contractor being a local Indian shipyard, dozens of micro, small and medium-sized Indian companies have participated through the production of various equipment, parts , assemblies and mechanical activities that are set to form the basis of a secure Indian program to build modern submarines to meet the challenge of our time.

The representative of the French Naval Group told reporters that this event is significant for France, as in the face of an epidemic situation in the world, the two countries and companies from both countries have managed to work together on a program of the Indian government, which will be proved to be a key element in Franco-Indian relations. According to Alain Guillot [Naval Group – ed.], thanks to this cooperation, India is already demonstrating the independence of the Indian Navy.

There is another company that took part in the construction of the Indian submarine and that is the Spanish Navantia. It should also be noted that Scorpéne-class submarines are not unknown to the general military international community, as Chile, Malaysia and Brazil, and now India, have this class of submarines. According to information provided by Naval Group, so far the French company has sold 14 such submarines worldwide.

What impresses with the new Indian submarine? In order for India to avoid international sanctions on nuclear energy, the design of the INS Vagir was taken from that of the Amethyste hull adrenal submarine hull, but was significantly reduced. Military experts note the Indian submarine has a well-extended middle section and a rounded bow. According to them, this is very similar to the design of Albacore class submarines.

INS Vagir has two decks, with diesel turbines and electric batteries located in the lower deck of the submarine. Torpedoes are fired forward through the nose, which is not unusual, but quite common and preferred solutions in recent years. The crew of the submarine will consist of 31 sailors who will share several acoustically isolated rooms. Everything for the comfort of the sailor is provided, as well as the air conditioning of the cabins.

1250kW is the power of one diesel engine, and this ship has two. Electric batteries [one electric motor – ed.] deliver a power of 900 kW.

Regarding armaments, it is clear that the new Indian submarine will be able to carry up to 18 torpedoes and missiles and 30 mines. The torpedoes and missiles are fired through 21-inch torpedo tubes, noting that the Indian submarine will be able to launch both torpedoes and anti-ship torpedoes and anti-surface torpedoes. Everything about armaments and fire control systems is automated.

Indian Navy could acquire the F/A-18 Super Hornet, the United States said

The American military magazine National Interest claims that there is a great reality that the Indian Navy will acquire the American F / A-18 Super Hornet. According to the author of the publication Peter Suciu, this is quite possible to happen, since relations between Washington and New Delhi have never been warmer than ever.

The author draws attention to the recent dialogue at the level of the US-India Council of Ministers, in which the two countries showed a high level of trust and signed the Basic Exchange and Agreement [BECA], which affects the political commitment to geospatial cooperation, and the fact that Washington promised in New Delhi, the ability of the Indian military to acquire advanced versions of aircraft.

Not surprisingly, this warming of relations between the two countries, as at this stage China is a common threat to them. However, according to military experts, this is not a prerequisite for the acquisition of American hornets. However, they argue that this may be the right time, and it is likely that this time has come and New Delhi will be able to afford to look at the American Hornets from a new angle. So far, this has not been possible, as New Delhi does not approve of Washington’s economic lever of “sanctions” on a client country. Such a danger still exists, as India has bought S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems from Russia. Not to be overlooked is the fact that the Indian military itself has in the past been against the F / A-18 Super Hornet for a very similar reason – the American attitude and threats of sanctions.

So far, India has a Russian MiG-29K, but New Delhi has clearly expressed the decision to eliminate this fleet and Russian aircraft not to be part of the equation. This immediately pitted two other fighters on the international stage – the American F-A-18 Super Hornet and the French Rafale. And things might have been in French fighters’ favor if India hadn’t seen the new and improved version of the Hornet, Block III. They are fully aware that this type of American fighter would be more useful and efficient in carrying out daily operations of the aircraft carrier activities.

Last year, Boeing demonstrated its newest Hornet when it took off from a short distance or the so-called “short take-off”. This is very important for the Indian Navy, as they have a modernized aircraft carrier, Kiev class, namely Vikramaditya, which is actually quite many years of military service, as until 2004 it was available to the Russian Navy, and after its modernization entered served in the Indian Navy only in 2013. If for France Charles De Gaulle is the flagship of the French Navy, then Vikramaditya is the flagship of the Indian. We must not forget something else – in maybe two or three years New Delhi will have a second aircraft carrier, which is currently under construction and will be named INS Vikrant.

That is why there is a logic in the idea of the United States offering India its super-fighter. India will seek to acquire about 57 fighters, a deal worth billions of dollars. If we really look at the global aviation industry that works for the navy, the F / A-18 Super Hornet is not only a proven marketing name, on the contrary, this aircraft has proven itself in battles more than any other naval fighter.

India will want air superiority, against the backdrop of Chinese industry, which has been booming in recent years, and in an attempt to break an otherwise good trade thread with Russia. Not that Russian fighters are bad, but special ones in the field of naval aviation are no better. Boeing promises just that – Block III will be able to perform various tactical missions in almost every existing military spectrum, will dominate the air both during the day and at night, will be more than a reconnaissance fighter and of course more than an attacking fighter. Boeing even promises to suppress the enemy’s air defenses, which is just a sign that the F / A-18 Super Hornet will have more than a guaranteed quality electronic warfare system.

***

Follow us everywhere and at any time. BulgarianMilitary.com has responsive design and you can open the page from any computer, mobile devices or web browsers. For more up-to-date news from us, follow our YouTube, Reddit, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook pages. Do not miss the chance to subscribe to our newsletter. Subscribe and read our stories in News360App in AppStore or GooglePlay or in FeedlyApp in AppStore or GooglePlay.

Subscribe to Google News

>>Be a reporter: Write and send your article.<<

BulgarianMilitary.com
Editorial team