Indian Navy's INS Vagir Embarks on Maiden Deployment to Australia

 

The Scorpene-class submarine INS Vagir, on an extended-range deployment from June, is en route to reach Fremantle, Australia on August 20, 2023.

 

Simultaneously, Indian naval vessels and aircraft are participating in Exercise Malabar 23 on Australia's eastern coast, alongside Australia, the US, and Japan. Following this, they will take part in AUSINDEX 23 from August 22 to 24.

 

According to The Hindu, this deployment follows the recent deployment of an Indian Air Force Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and a Navy C-130 transport aircraft to Australia's Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI), which are located in the Southern Indian Ocean near Indonesia and critical maritime choke points.

 

Australia has extended an invitation to India for the Sea Power conference scheduled from November 7 to 9, which is anticipated to be accepted by New Delhi.

 

The ongoing deployment underscores the Indian Navy's submarine capabilities and the ability to undertake operations at extended ranges for extended durations. The deployment marks the maiden journey of an Indian Navy submarine to Australia, demonstrating professional understanding and operational capability, as stated by the Navy on Saturday.

 

As of January, the fifth submarine of the Kalvari class, INS Vagir, has been based at the Western Naval Command in Mumbai. During its stay in Australia, the submarine will participate in a number of drills with Royal Australian Navy (RAN) forces on the Western Coast.

 

Throughout the ongoing deployment, a series of anti-submarine exercises of varying levels are planned, including interactions with RAN submarines and Indian Naval P-8I aircraft. This deployment aims to strengthen synergy and cooperation with the RAN.