Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Y Naik on Thursday launched the fifth of the Indian Navy’s Kalvari Class submarines under the ongoing Project-75 Scorpene program at the Mazagaon Dock Ltd (MDL).
The submarine was named ‘Vigar’ by Naik’s wife Vijaya S Naik. The program was conducted through video-conference from Goa in the presence of top Naval Officers and other dignitaries, including officials from the Naval Group, France. Speaking on the occasion, Naik lauded the stellar role of MDL in the ‘Make in India’ and the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives of the Centre.
Naik also appreciated the deep emotional bonds between ships and submarines and the crew which builds them as a unique aspect of the Navy and shipyards.
After a comprehensive and rigorous set of tests and trials for over a year, the fully combat-worthy submarine capable of operations in all modes and regimes of deployment shall be delivered to the Navy. Dignitaries present on the occasion included Vice Admiral SR Sarma (Chief of Material and CWP&A), Vice Admiral SV Bokhare (Inspector General Nuclear Safety), Vice Admiral RB Pandit (Chief of Staff Western Naval Command), senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and Indian Navy.
Recently, the MDL went in for an IPO which was oversubscribed 157.42 times.
