INS Vagsheer: Launched with a coconut, a boost to submarine fleet

INS Vagsheer, the last of the Scorpenes, is a reincarnation of a diesel-electric boat that the Soviet Union supplied in 1974

The world’s navies, which all hold their customs dear, traditionally launch or commission warships with a lady smashing a champagne bottle into the bow of the vessel. Not Queen Elizabeth II, however — the long-reigning British monarch — when called upon in 2014 to commission the pride of the Royal Navy: Her Majesty’s Ship (HMS) Queen Elizabeth, the aircraft carrier named after her illustrious, 16th century predecessor.

The monarch, however, was not about to use a French beverage to commission a British carrier. Instead, she did the honours by smashing a bottle of Bowmore single malt scotch whisky, recognising the