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August 14, 2013

INS Sindhurakshak know its facts - Sinks in Aug 2013

INS Sindhurakshak (S53)
  • Indian Navy diesel-electric submarine that has been handed back to India following a major refit at Russia's Zvezdochka shipyard.
  • It is the ninth of the 10 Sindhugosh class diesel-electric powered vessel that the Navy has in its 16-vessel submarine fleet.

Purpose of the Submarine in Indian Navy:
  • The submarine was designed to patrol and to protect naval communications, assault warships, enemy submarines, land targets and perform naval reconnaissance.

History of INS Sindhurakshak:
  • Sindhurakshak was constructed in Admiralty Shipyard, St. Petersburg(Russia). Construction of the submarine began in 1995. It was launched in June 1997 and delivered in December 1997.
  • 2010 Accident: A fire broke out aboard Sindhurakshak while the vessel was in Visakhapatnam in February 2010. One sailor was killed and two others were injured. Navy officials reported that the fire had been caused by an explosion in the submarine's battery compartment, which occured due to a faulty battery valve that leaked hydrogen gas.
  • After the fire damage in 2010, Sindhurakshak was sent to Russia for a two and a half year refit, overhaul and upgrade. In August 2010, Sindhurakshak arrived at Zvezdochka shipyard in Russia. The submarine was modernised, repaired, and retrofitted under Project 08773, and after the upgrade the sea trials started in October 2012. Part of the refit involved installation of equipment for Klub-S (3M54E1 anti-ship and 3M14E land attack) cruise missiles and over 10 Indian and foreign-made systems, including the Ushus hydro-acoustic (sonar) system and CSS-MK-2 radio communications system.
  • The submarine was under consideration to be equipped with the Brahmos cruise missiles.
  • 2013 explosion and sinking: On 14 August 2013, the Sindhurakshak sank after explosions caused by a fire took place onboard when the submarine was docked at Mumbai. The fire, followed by a series of ordnance blasts on the armed submarine, occurred shortly after midnight. The fire was put out within two hours. It is unclear exactly what caused the fire. 18 personnel feared trapped on board the submarine.

What is a Kilo class submarine?
  • It is one of the quietest diesel-electric submarines in the world mainly intended for anti-ship and anti-submarine operations.
  • Sindhughosh-class submarines are Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines in active service with the Indian Navy.
  • The submarines have a displacement of 3,000 tonnes, a maximum diving depth of 300 meters, top speed of 18 knots, and are able to operate solo for 45 days with a crew of 53.
  • Ten kilo-class submarines were constructed in Russia’s shipyards for the Indian Navy from 1985-2000.

Name
Pennant
Builder
Commission Date
Meaning of name
INSSindhughosh
S55
Russia
30 April 1986
Sea - rumour/report/battle-cry
INSSindhudhvaj
S56
Russia
12 June 1987
Sea-flag
INS Sindhuraj
S57
Russia
20 October 1987
Sea-king
INS Sindhuvir
S58
Russia
26 August 1988
Sea - powerful/valiant
INSSindhuratna
S59
Russia
22 December 1988
Sea-jewel
INSSindhukesari
S60
Russia
16 February 1989
Sea-Lion
INS Sindhukirti
S61
Russia
4 January 1990
Sea - fame/renown
INSSindhuvijay
S62
Russia
18 March 1991
Sea-victory
INSSindhurakshak
S63
Russia
24 December 1997
Sea-protector
INSSindhushastra
S65
Russia
19 July 2000
Sea-weapon[6]
  • The incident has dealt a major blow to Indian Navy, which has grown tremendously in recent decades with a view to dominate the Indian Ocean region by acquiring blue water operational capability.
  • With over 58,000 personnel, the Indian Navy boasts of a large operational fleet that includes an aircraft carrier, an amphibious transport vessel, eight guided missile destroyers, 15 frigates, a nuclear powered submarine, 14 conventional submarines, 24 corvettes, 30 patrol vessels, seven mine counter measure vessels and auxiliary ships.

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