The Indian Navy on Monday launched fourth of the sixth Scorpene class submarines, INS Vela, equipped with modern machinery and technology to guard the seas. The diesel-electric attack submarines, Scorpene, has been launched by the state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) after entering into a contract for the construction and transfer of technology for six Scorpene-class submarines with French collaborator Naval Group (formerly known as DCNS).

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According to the agreement the Scorpene class submarines were manufactured in India by Mazagon.

INS Vela was first commissioned on August 31, 1973 in the Indian Naval service and continued to serve for 37 years. It was the oldest submarine of the country when it was decommissioned on June 25, 2010, MDL said in a statement.

Scorpene's features include superior and modern technology and the ability to launch powerful attacks on the enemy using precision-guided weapons. The submarine class is essentially a modified version of their nuclear propulsion or, in a non-technical term, thrust, system for which the heat is generated by ethanol and oxygen.

Since the submarine class is a diesel type, it may not be able to remain submerged for a long duration and will have to resurface and recharge its batteries using a snorkeling pipe. This could be one of the drawbacks of the submarine. However, INS Vela will undergo a number of tests by the Indian Navy before it gets commissioned in the defence fleet.

The Scorpene can also launch missiles underwater and can extreme temperatures.

The development is a significant move by India as, recently, the Chinese have been increasing their fleet and their presence in Indian waters.

First Published:May 6, 2019 2:56 PM IST