India’s First Mahe-Class ASW Shallow Water Craft Joins Western Naval Command

In a landmark event for India’s maritime defence, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahe on 24 November 2025 at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This state-of-the-art Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) is the first of the indigenously developed Mahe-class vessels, representing a major advancement in the country’s ability to detect and neutralise underwater threats in coastal and shallow waters.

A New Era in Coastal Defence

INS Mahe is specifically designed for littoral (near-shore) anti-submarine operations, capable of operating in shallow waters with high agility, precision, and stealth. The ship’s combat systems integrate advanced sonar, tracking technologies, and weaponry into a compact and efficient platform, significantly boosting the Indian Navy’s capabilities in submarine hunting and maritime surveillance.

With her motto “Silent Hunters”, INS Mahe is tailored to ensure stealth and surprise, reflecting the Navy’s evolving approach to countering undersea threats in congested and shallow zones where conventional platforms may struggle to operate effectively.

Indigenously Designed and Built

INS Mahe is a true symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The vessel was designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi and is the first of eight Mahe-class ships under this ASW-SWC project. The ship showcases over 80% indigenous content, featuring contributions from Indian defence majors like BEL, L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence, NPOL, and more than 20 MSMEs.

This project is not just about naval expansion, but also about strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, with extensive collaboration across public and private sectors to build sophisticated warfighting systems domestically.

Symbolism and Naming

The ship is named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast, known for its rich maritime heritage. Its crest features the Urumi, a traditional flexible sword from Kalaripayattu, rising from stylised waves—a metaphor for agility, precision, and combat readiness. The Cheetah, chosen as the ship’s mascot, symbolises speed, stealth, and lethal focus.

This fusion of heritage and high-tech warfare makes INS Mahe a unique blend of tradition and innovation.

Technical Features and Capabilities

• Length: Approx. 78 meters
• Displacement: Around 1,100 tonnes
• Speed: Capable of speeds up to 25 knots
• Endurance: Can operate for extended periods over 1,800 nautical miles
• Propulsion: Diesel engines with water jet propulsion for high manoeuvrability
• Combat Systems: Equipped with advanced sonar, communication, and weapon systems for submarine detection and neutralisation
• Role: Anti-submarine warfare, coastal surveillance, mine laying, and escort operations

These features make INS Mahe highly effective in operating in constrained environments and executing missions with surgical precision.

Strategic Significance

• The commissioning of INS Mahe strengthens India’s coastal security grid, particularly in strategic zones like the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean’s littoral waters.
• It complements the Navy’s larger surface combatants, submarines, and air assets, serving as a first line of defence against sub-surface threats.

Static Facts

• Commissioning Date: 24 November 2025
• Built By: Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi
• Class: Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
• Motto: Silent Hunters
• Mascot: Cheetah
• Indigenous Content: Over 80%