In a landmark step towards self-reliance in defense, the Indian Navy is set to commission INS Mahe, the first indigenously built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on November 24, 2025.
The vessel was formally delivered to the Navy by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on October 23, 2025. INS Mahe is the first of eight ASW shallow-water craft being constructed under a long-term contract, marking a significant milestone in India’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defense manufacturing.
Technical Profile and Capabilities
INS Mahe measures approximately 78 meters in length and displaces around 1,100 tonnes, making it a compact yet highly capable platform for littoral (coastal) operations. Powered by a diesel-engine waterjet propulsion system, the ship boasts superior speed, maneuverability, and operational flexibility in shallow waters.
Equipped with torpedoes, multi-functional anti-submarine rockets, advanced sonar, and radar systems, INS Mahe is optimized for underwater surveillance and anti-submarine warfare. The vessel is also capable of mine-laying, search and rescue, and low-intensity maritime operations, providing the Navy with a versatile coastal combat asset.
Strategic Significance
A key highlight of INS Mahe is its indigenous content, with over 80 percent of components sourced from Indian industry, reflecting the growing maturity of the nation’s defense-industrial base. Named after the coastal town of Mahe on India’s Malabar Coast, the ship’s crest features the ‘Urumi’, a flexible sword from the traditional martial art Kalarippayattu, symbolizing agility, precision, and operational excellence.
Future Outlook
The commissioning of INS Mahe signifies a new generation of shallow-water ASW platforms, strengthening India’s maritime defense and undersea warfare capabilities. With seven more ships in the class set to join the fleet, the Navy is poised to enhance coastal security and project power effectively across India’s littoral zones.
Beyond its operational capabilities, INS Mahe represents a strategic shift towards indigenisation of the naval fleet, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and reinforcing India’s coastal security architecture in a rapidly evolving regional maritime environment.
INS Mahe’s induction on November 24, 2025, marks a milestone in India’s naval modernization. Built with predominantly local content and outfitted with advanced ASW technology, the vessel strengthens India’s coastal defense and demonstrates the nation’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Its deployment is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests while paving the way for future indigenously built naval platforms.
