INS Vagir, an Indian Navy (IN) submarine, is on a long-range deployment. Deployment began in June 2023 and Vagir will reach Fremantle, Australia on Aug. 20-23. The submarine, which is the Indian Navy’s fifth Kalvari-class submarine, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in January 2023 and is based in Mumbai.
While in Australia, INS Vagir will participate in various exercises with Royal Australian Navy (RAN) units on the west coast of Australia. Simultaneously, on the east coast of Australia, Indian Navy ships and aircraft are involved in exercises MALABAR 23 from 11 to 21 August 23 and AUSINDEX 23 from 22 to 24 August 23.
During the ongoing deployment, basic, intermediate and advanced level anti-submarine exercises are planned. In addition, the RAN submarine and P8i Indian Navy aircraft are expected to practice with INS Vagir. This deployment will further increase the cooperation and synergy between IN and RAN.
The ongoing deployment is a testament to the reach and sustenance of IN submarines. The extended range deployment is the first deployment of an IN submarine to Australia and showcases IN’s ability and professional acumen to undertake sustained operations at extended ranges from home port for extended periods. Earlier during the deployment, INS Vagir visited Colombo as part of International Yoga Day on 21 June 23.
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VM/PS