‘Kalvari’ (Tiger Shark), the first of the Scorpene-class submarines, went to sea for the first time on Sunday marking the commencement of sea trials.
The submarine sailed out at about 10 am under her own propulsion for the first sea trial, off the Mumbai coast.
Kalvari is the first of the India's six Scorpene-class submarines being built under the much-delayed Project 75.
The vessels are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) Mumbai in collaboration with French company DCNS.
She is part of the ongoing project for constructing six Scorpene class submarines, in collaboration with DCNS, which will include transfer of technology to MDL.
Kalvari is expected to be commissioned by the end of September. It is 67-metres long and 6.2-metres wide and displaces 1500 tons. The Kalvari carries torpedoes and missiles which it can use to bring down enemy ships.
Over the next few months, the Kalvari will undergo a barrage of sea, surface, diving, weapons, noise trials, etc., so the submarine can be tested thoroughly to ensure it meets the stringent standards required of it.
The Kalvari is stealthier than nuclear subs as it can work without needing to surface or send up a snorkel for oxygen thanks to the use of Air-independent propulsion system found on the Scorpene subs that can help it stay underwater for up to 21 days at a stretch.
The commissioning of INS Kalvari will take place by the end of 2016, following the completion of all the trials. This is expected to be a major boost to the current government's "Make in India" initiative.