Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has reached a pivotal milestone in India’s indigenous shipbuilding ambitions with the successful delivery of INS Mahe, the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) to the Indian Navy. This achievement is part of the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aimed at promoting self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
INS Mahe, measuring 78 meters in length, emerges as the largest Indian naval craft powered by a diesel engine-waterjet combination. This advanced propulsion system enhances the vessel’s maneuverability while minimizing its acoustic signature, critical attributes for effective anti-submarine operations in coastal waters.
The vessel has been purpose-built for a variety of coastal defense missions, including underwater surveillance, search and rescue operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and mine-laying tasks. Its compact and agile design equips it for operations in shallow waters, where larger destroyers and frigates might encounter navigational limitations.
Constructed in compliance with Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Classification Rules, INS Mahe meets international benchmarks for performance, safety, and reliability. Notably, over 90% of the vessel’s components have been sourced domestically, showcasing India’s increasing self-sufficiency and technological advancement in naval shipbuilding.
The formal acceptance ceremony was officiated by Dr. S. Harikrishnan, Director (Operations) at Cochin Shipyard, alongside Commander Amit Chandra Choubey, Commanding Officer (Designate) of Mahe. The event was attended by senior naval officials, including Rear Admiral R. Adhisrinivasan and Commodore Anup Menon.
A spokesperson for Cochin Shipyard emphasized that the introduction of the ASW SWC series will significantly bolster the Indian Navy’s capabilities in shallow water anti-submarine warfare, enhancing coastal security and overall operational readiness. Additionally, the delivery underscores India’s burgeoning expertise in the construction of advanced indigenous warships, marking a significant step forward in the nation’s maritime defense strategy.
