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.