INS Karanj in a new light: From the Soviet Union in 1969 to Mumbai in 2021
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Its subsurface to surface missiles, high-tech sensors to neutralize threats, wire-guided torpedoes, and quietness to launch attacks behind enemy lines, India’s latest submarine in its current incarnation will improve the navy’s maritime capabilities.
After a series of sea trials, the Indian Navy commissioned its third Kalvari-class submarine, INS Karanj, on Wednesday.
The submarine made its first forays into the ocean on June 2, 2018, with its first sea sortie. After 100 days at sea and 1,000 dived hours, the submarine in its reincarnated form, which evolved from the initial version that started operations in 1969, is ready for use.
Former Indian Navy Chief Admiral VS Shekhawat and former commanding officer of the erstwhile Karanj during the 1971 war with Pakistan commissioned the submarine.
75th Project
With the deployment of INS Karanj, three of Project 75’s six superior and sophisticated indigenous submarines based on the Scorpene-class group are now operational. The INS Kalvari was launched in 2017, and the INS Khanderi was launched in 2019.
INS Vagir was launched last year, and INS Vagsheer is currently being constructed, while INS Vela is undergoing sea trials.
All of the Scorpene submarines were expected to be operational by 2017, but delays have caused missed deadlines.
According to the Indian Navy, the INS Karanj is one of the world’s most advanced submarines. According to the navy, the arsenal in Karanj includes wire-guided torpedoes and subsurface-to-surface missiles capable of taking on a huge enemy fleet.
Because of the submarine’s stealth capabilities, marine commandos can also be launched from special operations without the enemy smelling it.
The submarine is fitted with a cutting-edge torpedo decoy device to detect and locate an incoming torpedo and apply countermeasures for better self-defense.
The heirloom
The first version of the submarine was launched in 1969 in Riga, Latvia, which was then part of the Soviet Union.
It played an important role in the war of 1971, and many members of the crew were decorated for their bravery.
Unlike the other two submarines in its class, which were supervised by a France team, the INS Karanj is truly a Made-in-India submarine. Mazagon Dock Limited’s in-house design team was in charge of the construction of INS Karanj.
“Only a lucky few are allowed to inherit such a legacy. My crew and I are ready for any challenge on Karanj. “Not only was the building indigenous, but so was the training,” said Captain Gaurav Mehta, Commanding Officer of the INS Karanj.
Forty of the 42 ships and submarines currently under construction are being constructed in the United States, boosting their self-reliance. The new INS Karanj began construction in August 2008.
