Daily Current Affairs : 11-January-2025
India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) recently handed over the sixth Scorpene-class submarine, Vaghsheer, to the Indian Navy. This delivery is part of the ongoing Project P-75, which has been a significant step in enhancing India’s naval defense capabilities.
About Scorpene-Class Submarines
What Are Scorpene Submarines? Scorpene-class submarines are a type of diesel-electric attack submarine. These submarines are designed to operate with stealth, which makes them effective for surveillance, attacking enemy vessels, and gathering intelligence without being detected.
Project P-75 The construction of Scorpene submarines was initiated under Project P-75, signed in 2005. This project involves a collaboration between India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and the French defense company Naval Group. The agreement, worth $3.75 billion, also included the transfer of technology to help India build its own naval defense expertise.
Submarines in Project P-75
The following submarines have been delivered as part of Project P-75:
- INS Kalvari (commissioned in 2017)
- INS Khanderi (commissioned in 2019)
- INS Karanj (commissioned in 2021)
- INS Vela (commissioned in 2021)
- INS Vagir (commissioned in January 2023)
- INS Vaghsheer (delivered in 2024 after sea trials in 2023)
Key Features of Scorpene Submarines
- Capabilities
- Designed for Anti-Surface and Anti-Submarine Warfare.
- Equipped with the ability to launch torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
- Used for intelligence gathering and area surveillance.
- Propulsion System
- Diesel-electric propulsion system, enabling underwater endurance for approximately 50 days.
- Beginning in 2024, these submarines will also be retrofitted with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, improving their stealth and underwater endurance.
- Advanced Systems
- Integrated with high-level automation, including Integrated Platform Management and Combat Management Systems.
- From INS Vaghsheer onward, submarines feature an indigenously developed Air Conditioning Plant and Internal Communication System.
- Stealth Technology
- Scorpene submarines are designed with superior stealth features to ensure they remain undetected by enemy forces, adding to their effectiveness in covert operations.
Important Points:
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) handed over the sixth Scorpene-class submarine, Vaghsheer, to the Indian Navy under Project P-75.
- Scorpene-class submarines are diesel-electric attack submarines designed for stealth, intelligence gathering, and attacking enemy vessels.
- Project P-75 was signed in 2005 as a $3.75 billion agreement between MDL and Naval Group (French defense company), involving technology transfer.
- Submarines delivered under Project P-75:
- INS Kalvari (2017)
- INS Khanderi (2019)
- INS Karanj (2021)
- INS Vela (2021)
- INS Vagir (2023)
- INS Vaghsheer (2024)
- Key capabilities of Scorpene submarines:
- Anti-Surface and Anti-Submarine Warfare.
- Torpedoes and anti-ship missile launch capabilities.
- Intelligence gathering and area surveillance.
- Propulsion system: Diesel-electric with ~50 days underwater endurance; Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) retrofitting from 2024 for improved stealth.
- Advanced systems:
- High-level automation with Integrated Platform Management and Combat Management Systems.
- Indigenous Air Conditioning and Internal Communication Systems from INS Vaghsheer onwards.
- Stealth technology: Designed with superior stealth features to avoid detection by adversaries.
- INS Vaghsheer marks a significant step in enhancing India’s naval defense capabilities.
Why In News
India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) recently handed over the sixth Scorpene-class submarine, Vaghsheer, to the Indian Navy under Project P-75, further strengthening the country’s naval defense and enhancing its strategic capabilities in underwater warfare.
MCQs about India’s Delivery of the Sixth Scorpene-Class Submarine: Vaghsheer
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Who built the sixth Scorpene-class submarine, Vaghsheer, delivered to the Indian Navy?
A. Hindustan Shipyard Limited
B. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
C. Goa Shipyard Limited
D. Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding
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What is the main purpose of Scorpene-class submarines?
A. To transport goods between countries
B. To conduct research on marine life
C. To perform stealth operations, intelligence gathering, and attack enemy vessels
D. To provide rescue missions in the ocean
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What system will be retrofitted to Scorpene-class submarines starting in 2024 to enhance underwater endurance?
A. Nuclear propulsion system
B. Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)
C. Solar-powered system
D. Hydrogen fuel cell system
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Which of the following is NOT a feature of Scorpene-class submarines mentioned in the essay?
A. Advanced combat management systems
B. Indigenous air conditioning plant
C. Solar-powered propulsion system
D. High-level automation for management
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