Why in News?

• Recently, an Indian Navy Kilo class conventional submarine, INS Sindhukesari, docked in Jakarta, Indonesia, for the first time from February 22 to 24, 2023 In line with the expanding military cooperation with Southeast Asian nations

Highlights

• INS Sindhukesari is part of the Russian-made Sindhughosh-class submarines.
• The submarine was first commissioned to the Indian Navy in 1989 before being refitted in 2018.
• Sindhughosh class submarines are the Kilo class diesel-electric submarines. The submarines have a displacement of 3,000 tonnes.
• The Indian Navy has 16 conventional submarines in service, 7 Russian Kilo-class, 4 German-origin HDW submarines and 5 French Scorpene class submarines.
• With the Kilos and the HDWs ageing, a Medium Refit cum Life Certification (MRLC) programme is underway to increase their life.
• INS Sindhukesari, which was inducted in February 1989, underwent the MRLC at Severodvinsk, Russia in 2018.
• Of the 10 Kilo class submarines originally procured from Russia, Sindhurakshak was lost in an accident, Sindhuvir was transferred to Myanmar and Sindhudhvaj was decommissioned in July 2020 after 35 years.
• Meanwhile, another Kilo class submarine, INS Sindhukirti, reached Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam
• The Kilo class submarines have a displacement of 2,300 tonnes, a maximum diving depth of 300 metres, top speed of 18 knots, and are able to operate solo for 45 days with a crew of 53.