Home-built Scorpene submarine Kalvari test-fires missile

New Delhi : It’s a huge step to bloster India’s naval prowess, the navy successfully test-fired an anti-ship missile for the first time from the indigenously built Kalvari class attack submarine.

The defence ministry described the launch as a significant milestone in enhancing the navy’s sub-surface warfare capability.

The successful trial of the intelligent missile having extended ranges reflects culmination of a complex process and the submarine is now almost ready for integration, navy sources said.

The weapon was fired from the first vessel in the series of six Scorpene-class submarines and it “successfully hit” a surface target during the trial in the Arabian Sea. These warships are being built under Project 75 by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai.

All the six diesel-electric attack submarines will be equipped with the anti-ship missile, which has a proven record in combat, the defence ministry said, noting these missiles will provide the vessels the ability to neutralise surface threats at extended ranges.