First indigenous anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft Mahe delivered to Indian Navy

New Delhi, October 24. The Indian Navy on October 23 took delivery of Mahe, the first of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts (ASW SWCs) being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), marking a major boost to India’s coastal defence and indigenous shipbuilding capability.

Named after the historic port town of Mahe in the union territory of Puducherry, the vessel symbolises India’s maritime legacy and growing technological prowess.

Indigenously designed and constructed by CSL, Mahe showcases India’s progress towards self-reliance in naval shipbuilding under the Government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence, at about 78 metres in length and displacing around 1,100 tonnes, the ship is equipped for underwater surveillance, low intensity maritime operations (LIMO), and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions in coastal waters. It also features advanced mine-laying capabilities.

The vessel carries sophisticated sensors and weapons, including torpedoes, multi-functional anti-submarine rockets, and state-of-the-art radars and sonars, enabling it to detect and neutralise underwater threats effectively.

With more than 80 percent indigenous content, Mahe represents a significant step in strengthening India’s naval capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign platforms. The induction of ASW SWCs is expected to substantially enhance the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capacity and ensure robust maritime security in India’s littoral zones.