INS Mahe ASW Shallow Water Craft Commissioned

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahe, the first vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), during a ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on 24 November 2025. The event was hosted by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, and presided over by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi. Representatives from Cochin Shipyard Limited and other industry partners attended the commissioning.

INS Mahe is the first of eight vessels in the class, designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi. The project involves contributions from BEL, L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence Systems, NPOL and more than 20 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). According to the announcement, the vessel features over 80 percent indigenous content.

The ship is named after the coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast. The Navy described the ship’s crest and symbols, including the Urumi, a traditional flexible sword, and a Cheetah mascot. The vessel’s motto is “Silent Hunters.”

INS Mahe is designed for anti-submarine operations in shallow and coastal waters. The ship is equipped with weapons, sensors and communication systems intended to detect, track and engage underwater threats. The Navy stated that the vessel can sustain operations in shallow waters and is fitted with advanced machinery and control systems.

Speaking at the ceremony, General Upendra Dwivedi said the commissioning “marks not only the induction of a potent new maritime platform, but also reflects India’s growing ability to design, construct and field complex combatants using indigenous technology.” He added that the ship would “significantly augment the Indian Navy’s capacity to ensure near-sea dominance, strengthen the coastal security grid and safeguard India’s maritime interests across the littorals.” He also highlighted the importance of joint operations, referring to Operation Sindoor.

The Mahe-class vessels will form part of India’s coastal defence network and integrate with larger surface ships, submarines and aviation assets for maritime security operations.