Indian Navy commissions submarine INS Vela

The Indian Navy on Thursday commissioned submarine INS Vela, adding more teeth to the country's naval prowess. Fourth Scorpene-class submarine built by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) in collaboration with France’s naval group, this is the fourth of the six submarines the Indian Navy is to induct under the Kalvari-class submarine Project-75.

The submarine was commissioned in the presence of Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh. This is the second major induction in the Indian Navy in less than a week. On November 21, the Navy commissioned a warship INS Visakhapatnam.

The construction of INS Vela began with the first cutting of steel in July 2009 and was launched and named ‘Vela’ on May 6 2019.

After extensive system, machinery and weapon trials, the submarine was handed over by MDL to the Indian Navy on November 9 2021.

Capable of undertaking offensive operations spanning across the entire spectrum of maritime warfare, INS Vela is fitted with advanced weapons and sensors.

The new INS Vela carries forward the legacy of her namesake which was commissioned in 1973 and served for 37 years.