In an impressive display of maritime prowess and indigenous defense capability, the Indian Navy has officially commissioned the first Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), named INS Mahe (P80), in Mumbai. This significant milestone emphasizes India’s commitment to bolstering its naval forces with homegrown technology.
Constructed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd., based in Ernakulam, INS Mahe boasts an impressive 80 percent of its components sourced domestically, reflecting the nation’s advancing capabilities in warship design and construction. This commissioning ceremony was presided over by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, marking a historic first where a land forces chief led a naval commissioning event, underscoring the inter-service collaboration within India’s defense establishment.
The vessel, named after the picturesque coastal town of Mahe in southwestern India, carries the motto “Silent Hunters.” The crest of the ship features the historical Urumi sword, symbolizing agility and precision in combat. Additionally, a cheetah, representing speed and vigilance, serves as its mascot.
Equipped with cutting-edge sonar, weapons, and communication systems, INS Mahe is designed to detect, track, and neutralize submarines in shallow coastal waters. Its compact combat suite facilitates sustained operations close to shore and allows integration with larger surface ships, submarines, and aerial assets, enhancing operational flexibility and effectiveness.
The ASW-SWC program, which aims to establish a fleet of 16 modern shallow-water combatants, commenced in 2014 in response to a growing need to counter emerging submarine threats. The Indian Navy in 2017 selected three companies for the construction of these vessels: Cochin Shipyard, Larsen & Toubro, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers. Cochin Shipyard was entrusted with building eight vessels, while the other two companies would construct four each.
The Mahe-class ships, like INS Mahe, are defined by their dimensions, measuring 78 meters (256 feet) in length and 11 meters (36 feet) in beam, accommodating up to 57 personnel. These vessels are equipped with a formidable arsenal, including a 30-millimeter naval surface gun, 12.7-millimeter stabilized remote-controlled support machine guns, the RBU-6000 213-millimeter rocket launcher, lightweight torpedoes, and anti-submarine mines.
Powered by diesel waterjet propulsion, an ASW-SWC can achieve a top speed of 25 knots (46 kilometers per hour) and has an operational range of 1,800 nautical miles (3,334 kilometers). This combination of speed, range, and combat capability positions the INS Mahe as a critical asset in the Indian Navy’s strategy against underwater threats.
With the commissioning of INS Mahe, the Indian Navy is poised to enhance its operational readiness and collaborative effectiveness in maritime security operations, reaffirming its dedication to national defense through indigenous technology and innovation. The Navy anticipates that all 16 vessels planned under the ASW-SWC program will be delivered by the end of the decade, strengthening India’s maritime capabilities further.
