First Indian sub Kalvari to be commissioned in July/August

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 31

Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba on Wednesday said the first of the six indigenous submarines, being built in collaboration with DCNS of France, would be commissioned in July or August this year.

The first submarine, the Kalvari, is going through the final trials. It had fired an indigenous torpedo last week.

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On being asked if India influenced the decision of Sri Lanka in not allowing a Chinese submarine from docking at Colombo last week, Admiral Lanba said, “We were not in touch with them (Sri  Lanka) on the issue; they did it on their own.”

He said that after the announcement of the strategic partnership, that is allowing private Indian industry to tie-up with foreign partners, the two projects--the making of additional submarines and fighter jets for operations from sea-going aircraft carriers--are top priority.

On being asked about the indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, Admiral Lanba said it would start trials in 2019 and would be with the navy in 2020.

Earlier while inaugurating the seminar, ‘Building India’s Future Navy Technology Imperatives’ organised by Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Admiral Lanba called on the industry to take advantage of the offers and help in Make in India.