Indian Navy Inducts INS Mahe, First of New Mahe-Class ASW Shallow Water Craft
Reported By Akshata Pawar
Mumbai, 24th November 2025: In a significant boost to India’s coastal security architecture, the Indian Navy on Monday inducted INS Mahe, the maiden vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC). The commissioning took place at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, marking another major step in the Navy’s push for indigenisation.
The ceremony was presided over by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and hosted by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. Senior naval leadership, defence industry partners, and representatives from Cochin Shipyard Limited, the ship’s builder, also attended the event.
Named after the coastal town of Mahe on India’s western seaboard, the new ASW craft carries a crest depicting the traditional Urumi sword emerging from the ocean, reflecting dexterity and readiness in maritime operations. Its mascot, the Cheetah, underscores rapid action and lethal precision, while its motto “Silent Hunters” emphasises stealth-driven anti-submarine warfare.
INS Mahe is the lead ship in a series of eight ASW shallow water craft being built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. More than 80% of its components are sourced domestically, featuring systems supplied by BEL, L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence Systems, NPOL and over 20 Indian MSMEs—an important milestone for the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Purpose-built for operations in coastal and shallow waters—zones that are most susceptible to sub-surface incursions—INS Mahe brings enhanced capabilities to the Western Naval Command.
Key operational strengths include:
-High-accuracy detection and tracking of underwater threats
-Engagement of hostile sub-surface platforms
-Adaptability for prolonged shallow-water ASW missions
-Integrated combat systems with advanced sensors, sonars and underwater warfare suites
-Automated machinery controls enabling efficient independent operations
These features make the Mahe-class a crucial link between larger surface combatants, submarines and aerial assets engaged in maritime surveillance and defence.
Enhancing Western Seaboard Security
By joining the Western Naval Command, INS Mahe strengthens India’s maritime posture in the Arabian Sea—an area critical for trade corridors, offshore assets and strategic operations. The induction reaffirms the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a technologically advanced, mission-ready and self-reliant force.
The commissioning of INS Mahe also highlights the Indian Navy’s growing focus on indigenous innovation and combat preparedness as it continues safeguarding national maritime interests and supporting India’s aspirations of a Viksit Samriddha Bharat.
