Indian Navy’s fourth stealth Scorpene class Submarine Vela launched at Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. Details inside

Scorpene class submarine Vela, equipped with modern machinery and technology to guard the seas, was launched at Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai on Monday, an official said. It will undergo a number of tests by the Indian Navy before it gets commissioned in the defence fleet, the official added. 

It is the fourth submarine to be launched by the state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) after entering into a contract for the construction and transfer of technology for six Scorpene class submarines with French collaborator Ms Naval Group (formerly known as DCNS).

Read: Cochin Shipyard Gets Rs. 6,311 Crores Contract For Anti-Submarine Warfare Ships

"Today, we are bringing the new Vela with modern machinery and technology to guard the seas," an official from MDL said.

INS Vela was first commissioned on August 31, 1973 in the Indian Naval service and continued to serve for 37 years. It was the oldest submarine of the country when it was decommissioned on June 25, 2010, MDL said in a statement.

The fifth Scorpene class submarine will also be launched soon, he said.

MDL recently reported an annual turnover of Rs 4,500 crore, the official added.

Read: IN PICTURES: Indian Navy's Ship Experiences A 'roll' As Cyclone Fani Roils The Seas, Water Enters Quarterdeck

Meanwhile, state-run Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on Tuesday signed a Rs. 6,311 crore contract with the Defence Minstry for construction of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts (ASWSWCs) for the Indian Navy. CSL was the successful bidder (L1) in the tender floated by the Ministry of Defence for this project and the contract was signed in New Delhi, a release from the company said.

The order value for these eight vessels is pegged at Rs. 6,311.32 crore. The first ship is to be delivered within 42 months from contract signing date and subsequent balance ships delivery schedule will be two ships per year, it said.

The project will have to be completed within 84 months from Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)