INS Vagsheer, the sixth of six Scorpene-class submarines, is the last. In January 2017, INS Khanderi became the third of six 'Scorpene’ class submarines. The Navy's fourth submarine, INS Vasgir, is currently undergoing trials at sea and will join the fleet within a year.
DCNS, a French naval defense company, was chosen to design and construct the Scorpene. DCNS was a Norwegian partner in the Hauk Patrol Boats project. The company is currently designing a second-generation hydrogen fuel cell AIP module for future Scorpene models.
The 'Scorpene-class submarines are built to carry out anti-submarine as well-as-surface warfare. They can also launch precision guided weaponry. The submarine can be used to conduct intelligence gathering missions. Scorpene Submarines are one of the most advanced conventional attack submarines in the world. They are capable of operating in all theatres. You can use them for anti-submarine warfare and mine laying, as well as area surveillance. These submarines have excellent stealth features which can decrease the detection ranges of sensors. The submarine's high resolution sonar can identify obstacles and mines in the sea.
The Scorpene submarine can launch precision-guided weapons including anti-ship missiles or anti-surface missiles. The integrated navigation systems combine data from both global positioning system (GPS), and log data to create a single, comprehensive navigation system. The submarine can travel at speeds of up to 12 knots if it is submerged and 20 if it is on the surface.
Depending on its speed, the Scorpene submarine can stay at sea for up to 21 day. This submarine can be fitted to a MESMA, which is a version the Naval Group nuclear propulsion system. The MESMA system requires a hull of 8.3 metres. It generates heat from oxygen, ethanol, and requires a hull section measuring 8.3 metres. The system is approximately $50-60million. A platform management system that integrates with the submarine's machinery control can be added to it. The submarine is capable of traveling up to 6,500 nautical mile.
There are 31 crew members on the submarine, and nine standard watch teams. All areas that are used are air-conditioned, and include full rescue systems. Special operations crews can also use six bunks that fold down to the submarine. It measures in at 5.8m and can travel 11 knots on its surface.
The 'Scorpene' submarine is designed to operate in all theatres of operations, including anti-surface warfare, mine laying, area surveillance and intelligence gathering. The submarine's ability to operate under all conditions gives it greater flexibility and operational effectiveness. The Scorpene submarine can operate in all oceans and water, and is capable of operating under any conditions, even adverse weather. The submarine is easily adaptable to specific customer requirements. The Scorpene submarine can also be built to carry a larger load of ammunition and fuel. It can be equipped to carry an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) module which will increase its endurance.
The Scorpene submarine can operate in any weather conditions and has advanced technology that increases its stealth. The submarine's hull allows for low-radiated sound, which decreases the chance of being detected by hostile sensors.