Understanding Indian Navy's Scorpene Class Submarines

The question asks about the fifth Scorpene class submarine launched by the Indian Navy at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai in November 2020. The Scorpene class submarines are a crucial part of India's naval modernisation under Project 75 (P75).

Project 75 and Scorpene Submarines

Project 75 is an initiative by the Indian Navy to build diesel-electric attack submarines. Under this project, six Scorpene class submarines are being built in India by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, through a technology transfer from Naval Group of France.

These submarines are known for their stealth features, including advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels, and the ability to fire a range of weapons, including torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, while submerged.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the options provided, which are names of Indian Navy submarines:

• Vagir
• Khanderi
• Vagsheer
• Vela

To answer the question correctly, we need to identify which of these was the fifth submarine launched in November 2020 as part of the Scorpene class.

Identifying the Fifth Scorpene Submarine Launch

The six submarines being built under Project 75 are named:

1. INS Kalvari
2. INS Khanderi
3. INS Karanj
4. INS Vela
5. INS Vagir
6. INS Vagsheer

Their launch and commissioning details are important:

• INS Kalvari: Launched in 2015, Commissioned in 2017.
• INS Khanderi: Launched in 2017, Commissioned in 2019.
• INS Karanj: Launched in 2018, Commissioned in 2021.
• INS Vela: Launched in 2019, Commissioned in 2021.
• INS Vagir: Launched in November 2020, Commissioned in January 2023.
• INS Vagsheer: Launched in April 2022.

Based on this timeline, the fifth Scorpene class submarine launched was INS Vagir, and its launch indeed took place in November 2020 at Mazagon Dock.

Conclusion

The question specifically asks for the fifth Scorpene class submarine launched at Mumbai's Mazagon Dock in November 2020. Reviewing the launch dates, INS Vagir fits this description perfectly.

Revision Table: Indian Navy Submarines

Additional Information: Project 75 Details

Project 75 is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in submarine construction in India. The Scorpene class submarines are conventional diesel-electric submarines designed for various missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, and area surveillance. The project is ongoing, with the sixth submarine, INS Vagsheer, launched and currently undergoing trials before its expected commissioning.

These submarines are equipped with advanced weapons systems, including the capability to fire SM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles and heavyweight wire-guided torpedoes. Their Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, which is being integrated into some boats during refit, will significantly enhance their underwater endurance, making them even more potent assets for the Indian Navy.