VINETRA Commissioned at INS Satavahana, Visakhapatnam

The Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility (VINETRA) was commissioned by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-chief, Eastern Naval Command, at INS Satavahana, Visakhapatnam.

Aim

The facility, aims to enhance the escape capabilities of crew from a distressed Kalvari-class submarine, and has been indigenously designed and developed, keeping in line with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, highlighting India’s focus on self-reliance in defense capabilities.

Design

Constructed by M/s L&T Defence as a turnkey project, the Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility is equipped with a five-meter escape tower integrated with an adjacent diving basin.
This state-of-the-art facility will be utilized for imparting both basic and refresher escape training to the crew of Kalvari-class submarines, ensuring that they are proficient in escape procedures in the event of a submarine distress situation.

General Info

Named “Vinetra,” meaning “Trainer,” the facility marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and confidence of Indian Navy submariners.
By offering specialized training, it enhances operational readiness and reinforces the Navy’s focus on safety protocols and preparedness in underwater emergency situations.

What are Kalvari class submarines?

Kalvari-class submarines are a series of diesel-electric attack submarines built for the Indian Navy.
It has been constructed with technology transfer from the French Pharm Naval Group under a program called Project 75.
These submarines are based on the Scorpène-class, originally designed by the French shipbuilder Naval Group (formerly DCNS). The Kalvari-class submarines are a key component of India’s underwater warfare capabilities, designed for a range of tasks including anti-ship warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and area surveillance.

Examples