India’s Submarine INS Vagir Carries Out Its Longest Deployment, Travels 7,000 Km To Australia

Indian Navy’s sub, INS Vagir, has achieved an astounding feat by setting an exceptional record for the longest deployment of a scorpene-class sub, covering 7,000 km to reach Australia for joint military exercises.

This further marks the first deployment of Indian Scorpene subs to Australia, directed at participating in underwater drills with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Joining INS Vagir in the exercises will be the maritime patrol aircraft P-8I, the Indian and Australian navies, along with other Australian subs.

Such joint manoeuvres are expected to take place on Australia’s west coast.

The Indian Navy, along with INS Kolkata and the frigate INS Sahyadri, as well as a P-8I, is present in Australia, participating in the Malabar 23 series that encompasses joint naval drills with QUAD-nation navies of the US, Japan, and Australia from 11–21 August, on the east coast of Australia.

Subsequently, another biennial joint naval activity, AUSINDEX 23, will occur between the Royal Australian Navy and the Indian Navy between 22 and 24 August.

INS Vagir’s deployment was successfully commenced in June this year, with a stop at the Colombo port on 21 June to celebrate International Yoga Day.

The sub has covered an extensive more than 7,000 kilometres voyage to arrive at the Fremantle port based in Australia on 20 August.

Commissioned successfully into the Navy in January 2023, INS Vagir is the fifth sub of the scorpene class.

The Indian Ministry of Defense reportedly released a statement that mentioned the deployment is a testament to both — the reach and sustenance of the Indian Navy subs.

The extended-range deployment is, in reality, the maiden deployment by an IN sub to Australia and highlights the professional acumen and capability of IN to undertake more sustained operations at high extended ranges from the base port and for prolonged durations, the statement added.

References: Swarajya, The Print, Rediff 

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Source: Maritime Shipping News