Indian Navy’s INS Sindhuvijay Set For Mid-Life Refit At HSL To Boost Submarine Fleet
INS Sindhuvijay to undergo mid-life refit at Hindustan Shipyard, boosting Indian Navy’s submarine fleet amid urgent modernisation needs. Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
In a significant move to strengthen its dwindling underwater fleet, the Indian Navy is preparing to send INS Sindhuvijay, a Sindhughosh-class submarine, for a mid-life refit at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam later this year.
Commissioned in 1991, INS Sindhuvijay is the fourth submarine of the Sindhughosh class, the Indian variant of Russia’s Kilo-class diesel-electric attack submarines. The vessel last underwent a major overhaul in 2005 at Russia’s Zvezdochka Shipyard.
What will the refit do to the submarine?
According to officials, the Ministry of Defence has already granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the project, and the refit contract is expected to be signed in the coming weeks. Once work begins, the submarine will be docked at HSL by the end of the year.
“The refit will ensure the submarine remains operational, safe, and technologically relevant,” a source said, adding that the overhaul would include hull repairs, machinery upgrades, sensor and weapons modernisation, and improvements to extend the submarine’s service life.
The refit is part of the Navy’s urgent efforts to maintain combat readiness as its submarine fleet ages. Notably, HSL handed over another Sindhughosh-class submarine, INS Sindhukirti, in August after a comprehensive refit.
What are INS Sindhuvijay’s capabilities?
With a displacement of 3,076 tonnes submerged and a length of nearly 74 meters, INS Sindhuvijay can dive up to 300 meters and sustain missions lasting up to 45 days with 53 crew members. It can achieve speeds of 19 knots underwater and has an operational range of 6,000 miles while surfaced.
The submarine was previously upgraded to fire Klub-S Land Attack Cruise Missiles from its torpedo tubes, in addition to carrying 18 torpedoes or 24 naval mines. It also features indigenous sonar and communications systems.
Upon completion of the upcoming refit, INS Sindhuvijay will rejoin the fleet as a battle-ready platform, bolstering the Navy’s sub-surface strike capability amid growing regional maritime challenges.
