INS Vagsheer's Induction Delayed to November, Indigenous Tech Likely Culprit

The Indian Navy's eagerly awaited submarine, INS Vagsheer, the final vessel of the Kalvari-class, is facing a delay in its induction. Originally scheduled to join the fleet in early 2024, the submarine's commissioning has now been pushed back to November or December this year.

The cause for this delay remains officially unconfirmed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), where the submarine was built in collaboration with France's Naval Group. However, sources suggest the integration and rigorous testing of indigenous systems onboard the Vagsheer may be the culprit.

While the Kalvari-class submarines are based on the Scorpène design, the INS Vagsheer has incorporated several indigenous systems, replacing those originally planned. This necessitates additional testing and validation to ensure these new systems meet the stringent operational standards of the Navy.

Although the delay is a setback, it highlights India's growing self-reliance in defence technology. The successful integration of indigenous systems in a complex platform like a submarine demonstrates significant progress.

The INS Vagsheer's eventual induction will undoubtedly bolster the Indian Navy's underwater capabilities, adding a powerful and stealthy asset to its fleet. Both the Navy and defense enthusiasts are keenly awaiting further developments and the official commissioning of this highly anticipated submarine in the latter half of 2024.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

It is nice to see that we are making an effort to indigenise. But this should have been done from the 2nd submarine onward rather than starting with the last one.

 

[Sudha]

It is nice to see that we are making an effort to indigenise. But this should have been done from the 2nd submarine onward rather than starting with the last one.

It is a long delayed project with cost escalations being nearly $ 2 billion. Bharat is rich & the taxpayers will pay the money for MDLs inefficiency.

 

[Varaaah]

It's just a rumour for maskerading the delay.

 

[Shrujanam Syama]

It's just a rumour for maskerading the delay.

Nonsense. If other submarines could be made in time, there is no problem in making this one too.

 

[ramdas]

The commissioning of the sub may be delayed due to the integration of the AIP. The submarine will serve as the test platform for the AIP developed domestically. A contract for integration has been finalized with Naval Group to manage this process.

 

[beencensured]

It is a long delayed project with cost escalations being nearly $ 2 billion. Bharat is rich & the taxpayers will pay the money for MDLs inefficiency.

French are also at fault as do not forget those leaks.

 

[beencensured]

The commissioning of the sub may be delayed due to the integration of the AIP. The submarine will serve as the test platform for the AIP developed domestically. A contract for integration has been finalized with Naval Group to manage this process.

Hopefully there is rational reason for delay. They have came out clearly for what reason.

 

[Indrakumar Salam]

What could be the Indian system on trail?

 

[M S Chatterji]

it is not bad for MDL. They have done their job. Moreover testing of every hardware is important. Submarine is a hardware where a single and small failure can jeopardize lives of 100 sailors. Hence, test well before fully operational.

 

[NSR]

It is extremely important to Indian and its Indian Navy to develop Scorpene subsystems in India by enlisting the companies which are building subsystems for SSBNs and proposed SSNs.

French Naval System will never allow that.

 

[Akshat]

French are also at fault as do not forget those leaks.

There were no leaks whatsoever. Our military has said that on record.

 

[Akshat]

Nonsense. If other submarines could be made in time, there is no problem in making this one too.

Who said they were on time?

 

[Anant]

The commissioning of the sub may be delayed due to the integration of the AIP. The submarine will serve as the test platform for the AIP developed domestically. A contract for integration has been finalized with Naval Group to manage this process.

Nope. AIP has not been integrated on the Vagsheer. Chances are we are testing out the Varunastra HWTs or some other indigenous subsystems.

 

[beencensured]

What reason is specified? test Indigenous equipment, which is it?

The article is not specific about what reason for delay it say broadly about indigenous equipment.

 

[beencensured]

There were no leaks whatsoever. Our military has said that on record.

Then why was reported in Australia after being leak in Pakistan, and then even more delay in project? Please stop covering up s#1t.

 

[Sudha]

French are also at fault as do not forget those leaks.

Leaks will happen anywhere. In Bharat there have been so many leaks, I have lost count. Leaks are in no way an excuse for inefficiency of MDL.

 

[Sudha]

Nonsense. If other submarines could be made in time, there is no problem in making this one too.

Made in time? Are you joking? There was huge cost escalation due to delay by MDL

 

[beencensured]

Leaks will happen anywhere. In Bharat there have been so many leaks, I have lost count. Leaks are in no way an excuse for inefficiency of MDL.

There were delays and changes because of leaks.

 

[Sandeep]

Then why was reported in Australia after being leak in Pakistan, and then even more delay in project? Please stop covering up s#1t.

Mate the information about the submarine was just a broad overview and the technology it used which already out in public domain and common knowledge. The technology that we installed is kept secret and classified with the French so no critical information was leaked.

 

[Akshat]

Then why was reported in Australia after being leak in Pakistan, and then even more delay in project? Please stop covering up s#1t.

I know you hate India and won’t trust what our soldiers say. You think we should implement emergency and throw our constitution out. But not happening.

 

[Sandeep]

Whatever the reason for the delay it’s best that they make sure there’s nothing wrong with the equipment, technology and parts as we need them to be reliable and ready for war at anytime.

Also this delay isn’t related to any indigenous AIP being installed on it. They will only install the indigenous AIP on the first Kalvari submarine when they go in for a standard refit and any upgrades which makes sense financially and time wise plausible.

 

[Man-ju]

Those speculating AIP are totally wrong as it needs to be encapsulated into the hull of sub but cutting it into two. Once it's launched then only during refit the hull is cut to add AIP system. My honest opinion most likely testing of indigenous sensors and communication equipments that were developed to replace the French ones whose specifications were leaked(Did you expect IN to accept configurations as it is?). Slowly other subs will also get these along with indigenous AIP once they come for Refit.

 

[AK S]

Mate the information about the submarine was just a broad overview and the technology it used which already out in public domain and common knowledge. The technology that we installed is kept secret and classified with the French so no critical information was leaked.

Listen to some knowledgeable defence journalist and you’d know the extent. Sourav Jha was on record that the stealth of the sub is seriously compromised and corrective measures would be needed. 23K pages were released… it’s not just the broad design.

 

[AK S]

I know you hate India and won’t trust what our soldiers say. You think we should implement emergency and throw our constitution out. But not happening.

This coming from a Frenchie! Wow! Since when you started prioritising India. Wish you did.

Most of the French deals are very pricy. Scorepene sub were delayed and there is serious cost overruns mostly thanks to French companies’s reluctance to share tech, price escalations and leaks.

Of course you’d defend anything French. Who knows who you are and what your motivations are.