New Delhi: The Indian Navy is all set to commission INS Mahe, the first vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on November 24. Delivered to the Navy on October 23, INS Mahe marks a significant leap in India’s coastal defence architecture, especially in countering underwater threats in shallow and congested maritime zones.
Designed specifically for detecting and neutralising submarines operating close to the coast, the Mahe-class is part of a major indigenous shipbuilding initiative aimed at strengthening the Navy’s short-range ASW capabilities.
Compact Yet Powerful: Key Features of INS Mahe
INS Mahe measures approximately 78 metres in length with a displacement of around 1,100 tonnes. Despite its compact size, the craft can achieve speeds up to 25 knots. Its shallow draught allows it to operate freely in coastal waters, river mouths, and areas where larger warships such as destroyers and frigates cannot maneuver effectively.
An impressive 80% of the vessel is built with indigenous components, underscoring the Navy’s continued push toward self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Advanced Anti-Submarine Capabilities
INS Mahe is equipped with cutting-edge sensors and weapon systems tailored for detecting and engaging underwater threats:
- Hull-mounted sonar
- Low-frequency variable depth sonar (LFVDS) for enhanced underwater tracking
- Torpedo launchers
- Multi-functional anti-submarine rocket system
- Modern surveillance radar and fire-control systems
In addition, the ship features mine-laying capability, enabling it to provide layered defence in coastal regions. Its stealth features further enhance survivability and reduce detectability during operations.
A Name Rooted in Maritime Heritage
The Mahe-class derives its name from Mahe, the historic port on India’s Malabar Coast. The ship’s crest features an image of the ‘Urumi’, the traditional flexible sword of Kerala, symbolizing agility and lethal precision—traits reflected in the vessel’s operational profile.
A 16-Ship Programme to Strengthen Coastal Security
INS Mahe is the first of eight ASW-SWCs being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). Another eight vessels of a similar category are being constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Together, these 16 shallow-water crafts will play a crucial role in safeguarding India’s northern and eastern coasts.
These vessels are intended to replace the ageing Abhay-class corvettes, providing the Navy with a fresh, modern, and agile fleet to counter submarine intrusions, especially in littoral zones.
Enhanced Vigilance Along India’s Coastline
According to naval sources, the induction of INS Mahe will significantly enhance coastal surveillance, submarine-hunting capabilities, and rapid-response operations. Its agility and size make it ideal for navigating restricted waters where larger warships may face constraints.
With underwater threats evolving rapidly in the Indian Ocean Region, INS Mahe’s commissioning is expected to provide a decisive boost to India’s maritime security posture.
The arrival of this next-generation ASW craft signals the Navy’s continued emphasis on building a robust, technologically advanced, and self-reliant fleet to protect India’s coastline and economic interests.
