INS Khanderi (Kalvari-class Submarine)

Overview

INS Khanderi is the second submarine of the Kalvari-class, a series of diesel-electric attack submarines constructed under India’s ambitious Project-75 initiative. These submarines are based on the French Scorpene-class design by Naval Group, but are being built at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai as part of the Make in India program. Commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2019, INS Khanderi represents a significant leap in India’s indigenous naval capabilities, particularly in undersea warfare.

The Kalvari-class submarines, including INS Khanderi, are designed to conduct a wide range of operations such as anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface ship warfare (ASuW), intelligence gathering, mine laying, and area surveillance. With enhanced stealth features, advanced sonar and torpedo systems, and improved endurance, INS Khanderi strengthens India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), safeguarding maritime interests and ensuring sea lane security.

INS Khanderi exemplifies India’s commitment to modernizing its submarine fleet while reducing dependency on foreign imports. Its induction marks a critical milestone in achieving self-reliance in critical defense technologies and boosting indigenous manufacturing capabilities. The platform’s advanced sensors, weaponry, and stealth technologies make it a formidable asset in the Indian Navy’s underwater combat arsenal.

Specifications

Key Features

🚀 Advanced Indigenous Combat Systems

• Equipped with the DRDO-developed SUBICS combat management system integrating sonar, radar, and weapon controls for real-time tactical decision-making.
• USHUS sonar suite, an indigenously developed system, enhances underwater target detection and tracking.

🎯 Multi-Role Attack Capability

• Capable of launching heavyweight torpedoes for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare.
• Can deploy SM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles for long-range surface strikes.
• Silent propulsion and enhanced stealth enable covert intelligence and surveillance missions.

🛡️ Enhanced Stealth and Survivability

• Incorporates anechoic tiles that absorb sonar waves, reducing detectability.
• Low noise diesel-electric propulsion minimizes acoustic signature.
• Hull design optimized to reduce hydrodynamic noise and improve maneuverability.

💪 Make in India Initiative

• First-of-its-kind Scorpene-class submarine built in India, showcasing indigenous manufacturing and technology integration.
• Significant technology transfer from Naval Group, coupled with local content enhancing self-reliance.

Variants

Note: INS Khanderi is part of the initial Kalvari-class batch under Project-75. The follow-on Project-75I will introduce significant upgrades including AIP.

Operational Status

INS Khanderi was commissioned on September 28, 2019, and is currently active in the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command, primarily operating in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. It has undergone several successful sea trials and exercises demonstrating its operational readiness and combat capabilities. The submarine plays a key role in India’s maritime domain awareness and undersea warfare posture, participating in joint exercises with friendly navies and ensuring a credible deterrence against regional threats.

Development Timeline

Strategic Significance

INS Khanderi significantly enhances India’s undersea warfare capabilities in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region, where control of sea lanes is crucial for trade and energy security. As a stealthy hunter-killer submarine, it boosts India’s ability to deter adversaries and maintain a credible second-strike capability. The submarine’s indigenous content advances India’s strategic autonomy while underscoring its rising naval power projection. Its operational flexibility supports anti-piracy, maritime surveillance, and special operations, reinforcing India’s role as a net security provider in the region.

Future Upgrades

• Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) Retrofit: Plans are underway to retrofit AIP modules to extend underwater endurance and reduce need for surfacing or snorkeling.
• Enhanced Weapon Systems: Integration of newer generation torpedoes and anti-ship missile variants.
• Upgraded Sonar and Electronic Warfare Suites: Continuous enhancements to sonar processing, electronic intelligence (ELINT), and countermeasure systems are planned.
• Automation Improvements: Increased automation to reduce crew workload and improve mission efficiency.

Comparison Table

Key Takeaways

• ✅ INS Khanderi is a key indigenous platform under India’s Project-75, marking a milestone in Make in India naval capabilities.
• 🎯 It significantly strengthens Indian Navy’s undersea warfare with advanced stealth, sonar, and weapon systems.
• 💪 The submarine enhances India’s strategic reach and deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region.
• 🚀 Operates multi-role missions including anti-submarine, anti-ship, surveillance, and special operations.
• 🔧 Future upgrades like AIP and advanced electronics will further enhance its operational effectiveness.

Last Updated: March 2026
Status: Active Deployment
Base: Western Naval Command, Indian Navy

References

• Indian Navy official releases and press information
• Naval Group and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited technical briefs
• Jane’s Fighting Ships 2025–26
• DRDO and Indian Ministry of Defence publications
• Open-source defense analysis reports and verified news outlets