India Bolsters Naval Capabilities: Launch of Mahe Class Anti-Submarine Warfare Vessels

On September 9, 2024, the Cochin Shipyard marked a significant milestone in India’s naval defense capabilities by launching two new vessels:

• Malpe: The fourth ship in the Mahe Class
• Mulki: The fifth ship in the Mahe Class

These Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) vessels were launched in a ceremony held in Kochi, Kerala.

Key Features of the Launch

• The vessels are part of the Mahe Class ASW-SWC project
• Built indigenously with approximately 80% Indian content
• Demonstrates India’s growing prowess in indigenous defense manufacturing

The ASW-SWC Project: Strengthening India’s Maritime Defense

Project Overview

The Government of India initiated an ambitious project to manufacture 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Watercraft (ASW-SWC) vessels under the Make in India initiative. This project aims to:

• Replace the aging Russian Abhay-class corvettes inducted in 1989
• Enhance India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities in shallow coastal waters

Contract Details

In April 2019, the Union Ministry of Defence signed contracts with two shipyards:

1. Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited
2. Kochi-based Cochin Shipyard Limited

Each shipyard was tasked with constructing eight ASW-SWC vessels.

Vessel Classifications

The project resulted in two classes of ASW-SWC vessels:

1. Arnala Class: Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited
2. Mahe Class: Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited

Progress of the ASW-SWC Project

Mahe Class Vessels (Cochin Shipyard Limited)

Five vessels have been launched so far:

1. Mahe (First vessel)
2. Malvan (Second vessel)
3. Mangrol (Third vessel)
4. Malpe (Fourth vessel)
5. Mulki (Fifth vessel)

Arnala Class Vessels (Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited)

Six vessels have been launched to date:

1. Arnala
2. Androth
3. Anjadip
4. Amini
5. Agray
6. Akshay (Launched in March 2024 along with Agray)

Technical Specifications of ASW-SWC Vessels

Primary Function

• Submarine hunters operating in India’s coastal waters
• Capable of laying mines along the seabed
• Can undertake low-intensity maritime operations

Physical Characteristics

• Length: 77.6 meters
• Width: 105 meters

Armament and Equipment

• Lightweight torpedoes
• ASW rockets and mines
• 30mm naval surface gun
• Two 16.7mm stabilized remote control guns with optronic control systems
• Advanced sonar for submarine detection in shallow waters
• Stealth technology

Performance

• Maximum speed: 25 knots per hour
• Propulsion: Water jet system driven by three diesel engines

Crew Capacity

• Can accommodate 57 crew members

Significance of the ASW-SWC Project

The ASW-SWC project represents a significant step forward for India’s naval capabilities and defense industry:

1. Enhanced Maritime Security: Improves India’s ability to detect and counter submarine threats in coastal waters.
2. Indigenous Manufacturing: Demonstrates India’s growing expertise in building advanced naval vessels domestically.
3. Modernization: Replaces older Russian-built vessels with state-of-the-art, domestically produced crafts.
4. Strategic Autonomy: Reduces dependence on foreign suppliers for crucial defense equipment.