Indian Navy Receives 'Mahe': First Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft by Cochin Shipyard
India's maritime defense capabilities received a significant enhancement with the official delivery of 'Mahe', the first in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC) by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, to the Indian Navy on 23 October 2025.
This vessel, named after the historic coastal town of Mahe in the Union Territory of Puducherry, highlights India's rich maritime legacy and its strategic emphasis on bolstering indigenous shipbuilding proficiency.
Built entirely within India, 'Mahe' is a testament to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with over 80% of its components sourced domestically. It is specifically designed for operations such as underwater surveillance, low-intensity maritime operations, and anti-submarine warfare in coastal areas.
Measuring approximately 78 meters in length and with a displacement of 1,100 tons, the vessel is compact yet highly capable. It boasts advanced radar, sonar, and electronic warfare systems, and is armed with lightweight torpedoes and multi-functional anti-submarine rockets, along with the capability for mine-laying operations, making it a crucial component of India's coastal defense strategy.
The introduction of the ASW SWC class will significantly enhance the Indian Navy's capacity for littoral surveillance and anti-submarine operations, thereby improving maritime security and tactical preparedness in coastal regions.
The successful commissioning of 'Mahe' underscores the Indian government's dedication to naval self-reliance and highlights CSL's evolving role as a leading shipbuilder, capable of fulfilling the complex operational demands of the Navy.
As the inaugural vessel of its kind, INS Mahe celebrates technological advancement, indigenous design prowess, and maritime independence, setting the stage for the future fleet of shallow-water anti-submarine vessels.
