India launches second Scorpene-class submarine Khanderi: Key facts

Mumbai, Jan 12: India, on Thursday launched the second Scorpene-Class Submarine, INS Khanderi at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. Khanderi, the second Kalvari class submarine will be set afloat from the pontoons today. Union Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Subhash Bhamre presided over the function and commenced the launch of Khanderi on Thursday in Mumbai. Bhamre at the launch of second Scorpene-Class Submarine Khanderi expressed confidence and said the day is not too far where Mazagon Dock Limited will build submarines for other nations as well.

Having superior stealth, the Scorpene-class submarine can use guided weapons- torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship missiles on enemy whilst underwater or on surface. This stealth features gives it an invulnerability, unmatched by many submarines. The submarine gets its name ‘Khanderi’ after the Island fort of Maratha forces, which played a vital role in ensuring their supremacy at sea in the late 17th century. The submarine will undergo rigorous tests and trials till December, 2017 and then will be commissioned into the Indian Navy as INS Khanderi.