Indian Navy’s First 3 of 8 Anti-Submarine Warfare Ships Launched

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has launched the initial trio of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft (SWC) on November 30, 2023.

These vessels, named Mahe, Malvan, and Mangrol, are part of the CSL's project to construct eight ASW SWC ships for the Indian Navy. These vessels, named after ports along India's coast, are intended to follow the legacy of the former minesweepers with the same namesake.

The contract for this project was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Cochin Shipyard Limited on April 30, 2019.

The Mahe class ships measure 78 meters in length with a displacement of approximately 900 tons. Equipped with indigenous underwater sensors, their capabilities extend to anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and Mine Laying Operations.

The vessels, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 25 knots, are slated for delivery, with the first ship expected to be handed over in 2024.