The Indian Navy has taken a significant step towards enhancing its maritime capabilities with the commissioning of INS Mahe, the inaugural vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC). The ceremonial event took place at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai and was presided over by General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, hosted the ceremony, which was attended by senior naval leaders, officials from Cochin Shipyard Limited, as well as other distinguished guests.
The commissioning of INS Mahe marks a new chapter in India’s indigenous shipbuilding journey, highlighting the arrival of advanced shallow-water combatants that are both sleek and efficient, with over 80% of their components sourced locally. The vessel is named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast, symbolizing not only a connection to India’s rich maritime heritage but also its enduring strength in naval operations. The ship’s crest embodies this spirit, featuring the Urumi—a flexible sword associated with Kalaripayattu—juxtaposed with stylized waves, representing agility and precision. Its mascot, the Cheetah, signifies speed and situational awareness, while the motto “Silent Hunters” underscores its stealth capabilities.
INS Mahe is the first ship in a planned fleet of eight vessels, designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited with critical contributions from various Indian defense firms including BEL, L&T Defence, and Mahindra Defence, along with collaboration from over 20 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative is a cornerstone of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) campaign aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing in defense.
The vessel is specifically designed for anti-submarine warfare operations within coastal and shallow water environments. It is equipped with an advanced combat suite that integrates state-of-the-art sensors, weapons, and communications systems, allowing for effective detection, tracking, and neutralization of underwater threats. Its modern propulsion and control systems facilitate prolonged operational capability, crucial for safeguarding India’s coastline and asserting naval presence in near-sea regions.
During the commissioning ceremony, General Upendra Dwivedi underscored the significance of INS Mahe, describing it as a reflection of India’s growing capabilities in designing and operationalizing complex maritime platforms with indigenous technology. He emphasized that the vessel will enhance the Navy’s capacity for coastal defense and littoral warfare, asserting the importance of integrated operations across land, sea, and air for future multi-domain strategies. He cited Operation Sindoor, a recent joint operation, as a successful example of inter-service synergy.
INS Mahe and its sister ships are set to bolster India’s coastal defense architecture, functioning in tandem with larger warships, submarines, and aviation assets. The induction of these vessels aligns with the Navy’s commitment to being Combat Ready, Cohesive, and Aatmanirbhar, contributing to the overarching goal of ensuring secure maritime environments for a prosperous and developed India.
