Navy launches third Scorpene- class sub

Mumbai: The Indian Navy on Wednesday launched INS Karanj, the third madeinIndia Scorpene- class submarine. In January last year, Khanderi, the second Scorpene- class submarine, was launched.

The Indian Navy launched its third Scorpene class submarine on Wednesday. The submarine which was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, has been named Karanj. The old Karanj had served the nation for 34 years from 1969 to 2003 and also seen action in the 1971 war.

Last year , on 14 December, INS Kalvari, the first Scorpene class submarine was commissioned into the Navy by the Prime Minister. Khanderi, the second Scorpene class submarine was launched in January 2017, and is currently undergoing the rigorous phase of sea trials and is also scheduled to be delivered shortly.

Reena Lanba, president Navy Wives’ Welfare Association, presided over the ceremony that began with the recitation of Sanskrit shlokas from the Atharva Veda and other traditional ceremonies.

Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff, was the chief guest on the occasion. Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, FOC- in- C, Western Naval Command and Vice Admiral D. M. Deshpande, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition, Rear Admiral Guillame de Garidel, head of Asia Pacific, DGA France and other senior officers and dignitaries were also present during the ceremony.

— SHRIPAD NAIK Navy personnel during the launch of Karanj, India’s third Scorpene- class submarine at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai on Wednesday.