INS Malvan Commissioned: Indian Navy Enhances Coastal Defence with Second Mahe-Class ASW Craft
Karwar, July 22, 2026: The Indian Navy furthered its coastal defense capabilities with the commissioning of INS Malvan, the second Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) designed and built indigenously. The event, held on July 22, 2026, in Karwar, was attended by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, and Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. The ceremony also saw the presence of senior naval personnel, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), veterans, and distinguished guests.
INS Malvan is the second vessel among the eight Mahe-class ASW Shallow Water Crafts under construction by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi. It is part of the broader plan to induct 16 ASW-SWCs into the Indian Navy. With over 80 percent indigenous content, the ship underscores India's proficiency in defense shipbuilding, naval design, and systems integration, aligning with the Government of India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to achieve self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Named after the historic coastal town of Malvan in Maharashtra, the ship pays homage to the maritime heritage associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It also honours the legacy of the previous INS Malvan, an inshore minesweeper that served India until it was decommissioned in 2003.
The INS Malvan is designed for modern naval challenges, equipped to conduct underwater surveillance, anti-submarine operations, low-intensity maritime missions, and mine warfare. Its inclusion will enhance the Indian Navy's ability to detect underwater threats, bolster coastal defense, and improve littoral zone security and maritime domain awareness along India's vast coastline.
The ship's crest features the 'Bagh Nakha' or Tiger's Claw, symbolizing courage, agility, stealth, and boldness—qualities that define its operational ethos. The surrounding waves on the crest represent the expansive maritime domain under the Navy's protection and its commitment to national sovereignty. The ship's motto, "Silent Claws," highlights its stealthy operational capabilities and swift, effective strikes against adversaries.
During his address, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh emphasized the importance of securing maritime trade routes amid global uncertainties. He lauded the Navy's progress in indigenous warship construction, noting that INS Malvan’s high indigenous content reflects India's expanding defense industrial base. He also praised the Navy for embedding officers in the shipbuilding process, suggesting that similar initiatives across armed forces could accelerate self-reliance in defense production.
The Chief of the Air Staff stressed the need for tri-service integration, advocating for seamless coordination among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. He pointed out that future conflicts would require a unified approach, leveraging joint capabilities to safeguard national security effectively.
INS Malvan's commissioning significantly boosts the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Designed to operate alongside larger surface combatants, submarines, and naval aviation assets, the vessel enhances India's preparedness and ability to counter evolving maritime challenges. As the Navy continues its modernization with indigenously built platforms, INS Malvan marks another step toward establishing a combat-ready, credible, and cohesive force equipped to protect India's maritime interests across the Indian Ocean Region.
