In a major boost to India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on Thursday delivered Mahe, the first in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), to the Indian Navy.
The vessel was formally handed over in a ceremony attended by CSL’s Director Operations, Dr S. Harikrishnan, and Mahe’s Commanding Officer-Designate, Commander Amit Chandra Choubey, who signed the acceptance documents. Senior officials from the Western Naval Command, including Chief Staff Officer (Technical) Rear Admiral R. Adhisrinivasan and Superintendent, Warship Production, Kochi Commodore Anup Menon, were also present.
Indigenously designed and built by CSL, Mahe adheres to Det Norske Veritas (DNV) classification standards and measures 78 metres in length. It is the largest Indian naval vessel to employ a diesel engine–waterjet propulsion system, a configuration enhancing its speed, agility, and operational flexibility in shallow waters.
Designed for multiple roles, the vessel is equipped for underwater surveillance, search and rescue operations, low-intensity maritime missions, and mine-laying. Modern sensors and advanced communication systems onboard are expected to significantly strengthen the navy’s coastal defence and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Officials highlighted that the ship reflects the government’s Aatma Nirbhar Bharat vision, with over 90 per cent of its components sourced indigenously. Most machinery, materials, sensors, and onboard systems are produced by Indian manufacturers, demonstrating the growing maturity of the domestic defence industrial base.
The delivery of Mahe marks a milestone in the Indian Navy’s indigenisation drive, enhancing its shallow-water combat fleet. The remaining seven vessels in the ASW SWC series are at different stages of construction at CSL and are scheduled for phased delivery in the coming years.
CSL, a premier shipbuilding and repair yard, is certified to ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, and 27001 standards. Recognized repeatedly for excellence by the government, it combines advanced infrastructure with specialised expertise and innovative technology, enabling the production of high-quality indigenous naval vessels.
With this handover, India continues to strengthen its defence manufacturing capabilities while advancing its strategic goal of reducing dependence on imported military hardware.
