Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has delivered the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), named ‘Mahe’, to the Indian Navy on 23 October 2025.

The 78-metre-long warship, designed and built in India, is the largest vessel in the Navy to be powered by a diesel engine-waterjet combination.

This propulsion system provides high manoeuvrability and a lower acoustic signature, making it highly effective for anti-submarine operations in shallow coastal waters.

Mahe has been designed to undertake a range of missions including underwater surveillance, search and rescue operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and mine-laying tasks.

Its compact design and agility make it suitable for operations in shallow waters where larger destroyers and frigates face navigational challenges.

The ship was built in accordance with the Classification Rules of Det Norske Veritas (DNV), ensuring high standards of safety, performance, and reliability.

Over 90% of the ship’s components are sourced domestically, reflecting India’s focus on self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The formal acceptance of the ship was completed by Dr S. Harikrishnan, Director (Operations) of CSL, and Commander Amit Chandra Choubey, Commanding Officer (Designate) of Mahe.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Indian Navy, including Rear Admiral R. Adhisrinivasan, Chief Staff Officer (Technical) of the Western Naval Command, and Commodore Anup Menon, Warship Production Superintendent, Kochi.

Officials from CSL stated that the induction of the ASW SWC series is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s shallow water anti-submarine capabilities, further strengthening India’s coastal security and operational readiness.

Reference: cochinshipyard