Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has successfully delivered the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW–SWC) to the Indian Navy. The warship, named ‘INS Mahe’, marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenisation and naval modernisation drive, boosting the country’s shallow-water anti-submarine and coastal defence capabilities.
The remaining seven vessels in ASW–SWC series are under construction at CSL and will be delivered in a phased manner over the next few years.
About INS Mahe
| Specification / Feature | Details |
| Ship Type | Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW–SWC) |
| Builder | Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi |
| Design Classification | Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Classification Rules |
| Length | 78 metres |
| Propulsion | Diesel engine–waterjet combination (largest Indian warship with this system) |
| Speed & Endurance | Optimised for shallow-water, high-manoeuvrability operations |
| Primary Role | Underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO) |
| Secondary Role | Mine-laying and coastal patrol |
| Sensors & Systems | Equipped with advanced sonar, communication systems, and combat management suites |
| Crew Comfort & Safety | Built with ergonomic design, modern accommodation, and advanced safety systems |
Operational Significance
INS Mahe will:
- Strengthen the Indian Navy’s coastal defence network.
- Enhance anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities in shallow waters.
- Support maritime domain awareness (MDA) and low-intensity operations along India’s coastline.
- Assist in mine-laying, surveillance, and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions.
The diesel engine–waterjet propulsion gives it superior agility and high-speed manoeuvrability in shallow waters- critical for tracking and neutralising underwater threats near the Indian coast.
Indigenisation and ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’
- INS Mahe has achieved over 90% indigenous content, demonstrating the self-reliance of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
- Most components – including machinery, sensors, onboard systems, and materials – sourced from Indian industries.
- The project aligns with the Government of India’s vision of “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat” and Make in India in Defence.
- The delivery of Mahe showcases India’s design and production competence in complex naval platforms, a field once dominated by imports.
About ASW–SWC Class
- The ASW Shallow Water Craft series is designed to detect, track, and neutralise submarines operating in coastal waters.
- These ships are equipped with state-of-the-art sonar systems, advanced communication gear, and light weapons for coastal protection.
- The ASW–SWC fleet will replace the aging Abhay-class corvettes, modernising India’s near-shore defence grid.
- Once all eight ships are inducted, they will provide comprehensive coverage along India’s littoral zones, enhancing multi-layered defence operations.
Symbolism Behind Name ‘Mahe’
- The ship is named ‘Mahe’– after the historic coastal town in the Union Territory of Puducherry, located along Malabar Coast.
- The name underscores the Indian Navy’s tradition of honouring coastal cities and ports, symbolising vigilance and readiness in safeguarding maritime borders.
About Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)
- Established: 1972
- Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala
- Type: Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
- Certifications: ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environment), ISO 45001 (Safety), and ISO 27001 (Information Security).
- Expertise:
- Ship design, building, and repair of both defence and commercial vessels.
- Known for construction of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (INS Vikrant) and large complex naval platforms.
- CSL has emerged as one of India’s most advanced shipyards with cutting-edge facilities, indigenous technology, and export capabilities.
Strategic and Industrial Importance
- Strengthens India’s coastal defence posture in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Boosts employment and MSME participation in the defence supply chain.
- Enhances public-private collaboration in defence manufacturing.
- Serves as a model project under India’s Naval Indigenisation Plan (NIP).
Significance
The delivery of INS Mahe marks:
- A major milestone in India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding capabilities.
- A boost to anti-submarine and shallow-water warfare preparedness.
- A reaffirmation of the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat vision through indigenous design, innovation, and industrial participation.
Once all eight ASW–SWC ships are commissioned, the Indian Navy will possess one of the most modern shallow-water warfare fleets in the Indo-Pacific region, ensuring enhanced coastal security and maritime deterrence.