The Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility (Vinetra) was commissioned on 13 Sep 24.
Indian Navy Commissions ‘Vinetra’
The Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility (Vinetra) was commissioned on 13 Sep 24 by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, at INS Satavahana, Visakhapatnam. The facility, aims to enhance the escape capabilities of crew from a distressed Kalvari-class submarine, and has been indigenously designed and developed, keeping in line with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, highlighting India’s focus on self-reliance in defence capabilities.
Constructed by M/s L&T Defence as a turnkey project, the Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility is equipped with a five-meter escape tower integrated with an adjacent diving basin. The facility “Vinetra” (विनेत्र), meaning “Trainer” represents a significant step forward in building confidence among submariners, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills and training necessary to escape in case of any underwater emergency.
What are Kalvari-class submarines?
Kalvari-class submarines are a series of diesel-electric attack submarines built for the Indian Navy. These submarines are based on the Scorpène-class, originally designed by the French shipbuilder Naval Group (formerly DCNS). The Kalvari-class submarines are a key component of India’s underwater warfare capabilities, designed for a range of tasks including anti-ship warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and area surveillance.
The first submarine in this class, INS Kalvari, was commissioned in 2017. Other submarines in the class include INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, INS Vagir, and INS Vagsheer.
