Karanj, the third Scorpene class submarine being constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders for the Indian Navy was launched on 31 January 2018, by Reena Lanba. Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff was the chief guest on the occasion. Shri Arvind Sawant, Hon’ble Member of Parliament; VAdm Girish Luthra, FOC-in-C, WNC and VAdm D M Deshpande, CWP&A were present during the launching ceremony. This event reaffirms the giant strides taken by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) in the ongoing ‘Make In India’ programme, which is being actively implemented by the Department of Defence Production (MoD).
The submarine was then towed to Mumbai Port Trust, for separation from the pontoon. Karanj will now undergo rigorous trials and tests, both in harbour and at sea before it is delivered.
The contract for the construction and Transfer-of-Technology for six Scorpene submarines in series, has M/s Naval Group (formerly DCNS) of France as ‘Collaborator’ and are being built by MDL.
Cmde Rakesh Anand, Chairman and Managing Director, MDL said on the occasion that 2017 marked the commissioning of Kalvari and launching of Karanj marks the start of an eventful 2018. Launch of Karanj is a historic occasion, as it marks a major milestone for MDL since previously only two SSK class submarines Shalki and Shankul were built here at MDL. This milestone has been achieved through the hard work and perseverance of all executives and operatives of the Submarine Yard.
