Erstwhile INS Vela was commissioned on 31 Aug 73 as the lead boat of Vela class submarines in the Indian Navy. Apart from being a training ground for many submariners, she had several noteworthy operational achievements during her long and illustrious career. The submarine rendered yeoman service to the nation for 37 years and was the longest operational submarine at the time of her decommissioning (then) on 25th?of Jan, 2010.
The new Vela carries forward the legacy of her namesake. The Indian Navy commissioned its latest Scorpene class submarine ?Vela? on 25th?of Nov in Mumbai over an illustrious ceremony. The submarine was designated as ?Yard 11878? during its construction, as reported.
She is the fourth of the Scorpene class Submarine built by the state- owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in collaboration with the M/s Naval Group of France. The association of numerous Indian companies in building the platform makes it a true representation of the ?Make in India? concept, taking it a notch higher.
The new INS Vela is a potent “Man o? War”, capable of undertaking offensive operations spanning across the entire spectrum of maritime warfare. Once dived, she is truly poised for the kill with very impressive stealth and strength.
The new INS Vela is fitted with advanced weapons and sensor suites. All of these are integrated into the Submarine Tactical Integrated Combat System known as (SUBTICS) Once a target is classified, the submarine may choose to engage it using either her sea skimming missiles also known as ?Flying Fish? or the heavy weight wire – guided torpedoes.
The new INS Vela has taken the ?Make in India ?spirit a notch higher with the fitment of indigenized battery cells, which power a very silent permanently magnetized propulsion motor in the vessel. The construction of the submarine under the supervision of in-house design overseeing team of MDL, naval engineers from Submarine Design Group (SDG), Submarine Overseeing Team (SOT) and training crew by Indian Training Team (ITT) is a major milestone towards ?AatmaNirbhar Bharat? narrative as well.
INS Vela?s motto stands – ?VIGILANT, VALIANT, VICTORIOUS? epitomizes the submarine?s spirit in achieving the tasks at hand. The traditional crest for Indian Naval ships consists of three sail ships on top symbolizing India?s rich maritime history. The ribbon of crown depicts the Ashoka wheel surrounded by a horse and a bull. A ring of lotus buds encircles the unique motif of each ship.
INS Vela, being named after a type of Indian fish belonging to the stingray family, the crest depicts the fish swimming across the blue seas. The stingray is known for stealth, aggression, and offensive power. Its flat body allows it to sit on the bottom of the ocean, camouflaging itself to predators swimming above as it lurks for its prey underneath.
Whilst addressing at the induction, CNS Adm. Karambir Singh, expressed saying, ?It is indeed an honour and privilege for me to be present today for the commissioning of the fourth submarine of Project 75 ? INS Vela. I congratulate Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, our French partners M/s Naval Group, M/s MBDA, and all personnel who have worked tirelessly towards this commissioning.
Induction of the Foxtrot in 1967 heralded the birth of the Indian Navy?s submarine arm. The quantum leap IN?s operational capabilities was evident in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, where IN submarines played a crucial role in its war plans. In similar vein, submarines of the Project 75 claim to transform IN warfighting abilities in the underwater domain in the years to come. It is a time-honored naval custom that ?old ships never die.?
In keeping with this tradition, Vela being commissioned today takes her name from her illustrious predecessor. The old Vela was a Foxtrot class Submarine acquired from the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1973 and she served the nation for 37 glorious years. We are fortunate today to have in our midst Radm Sodhi the commissioning CO and crew members of the erstwhile Vela. A big round of applause for all of them.
In its new incarnation, Vela is a potent platform with an ability to undertake the entire spectrum of operations. Given today?s dynamic and complex security situation, Vela?s capabilities and firepower will play a crucial role in enhancing the Navy?s ability to protect, promote, and preserve India?s maritime interests across the seascape of the Indian Ocean Region, while acting as a clear deterrent to our adversaries.
I am certain that Vela will chart a glorious path in the service of the Nation and true to her Motto, remain ?Vigilant, Valiant and Victorious?. May all those who sail Vela, be blessed with fair winds, following seas, and fathoms beneath the keel?
The submarine?s mascot is the Sub-ray which is an amalgamation of the submarine and the stingray. It symbolizes the metamorphosis of the submarine?s character with the qualities of a stingray. The submarine?s logo depicts the Sub-ray lurking in the sea with the backdrop of the national flag symbolizing the unit being dedicated to the national cause.
The author is a Delhi-based, DCC qualified, defence beat writer?and independent contributor to print and online publications
Views are personal
