Indian Navy Set to Commission INS Mahe, First of Its New Indigenous ASW Shallow-Water Warships

The Indian Navy is preparing to commission INS Mahe, the first vessel of its newly developed Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC). The warship will be formally inducted on November 24, marking a major step forward in India’s efforts to enhance coastal defence while strengthening the nation’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

Constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, INS Mahe represents a new generation of compact, agile, and highly capable anti-submarine platforms designed for operations in shallow and congested waters. The vessel has been engineered to detect, track, and neutralise underwater threats in India’s littoral zones, where conventional large warships typically face limitations.

INS Mahe features a modern hull form, low acoustic signature, and advanced propulsion system that help it manoeuvre swiftly while remaining difficult for submarines to detect. With state-of-the-art sonar arrays, precision-tracking sensors, lightweight torpedo launch systems, and anti-submarine rocket delivery capabilities, the ship significantly enhances India’s near-shore maritime security and surveillance network.

The warship also supports a range of secondary roles, including mine-laying, search-and-rescue missions, coastal patrols, and maritime interdiction operations. Its shallow draft enables close-to-shore manoeuvring, crucial for safeguarding ports, naval bases, and key maritime infrastructure.

One of the most notable aspects of INS Mahe is its high degree of indigenisation, with the majority of onboard equipment and systems sourced from Indian defence manufacturers. This aligns with the Navy’s long-term vision of boosting domestic capability and reducing reliance on imported platforms.

Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe, the ship carries a crest inspired by the region’s martial traditions, symbolising agility, vigilance, and strength. INS Mahe is the first of eight vessels planned under the Mahe-class programme, which will eventually replace the Navy’s ageing shallow-water ASW fleet.

The commissioning of INS Mahe is expected to significantly enhance India’s underwater domain awareness and contribute to a stronger, more self-reliant naval force capable of countering emerging regional maritime challenges.