The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Mahe, the first vessel of the indigenously designed Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), marking a major boost to India’s coastal defence and underwater surveillance capabilities.
The commissioning ceremony was held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, hosted by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. The event was presided over by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, and attended by senior naval officials, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Ltd., and other distinguished guests.
INS Mahe derives its name from the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast. Its crest depicts the Urumi, the flexible sword of Kalaripayattu, emerging from stylised ocean waves—signifying agility and lethal precision. The ship’s mascot, the Cheetah, symbolises speed and focus, while its motto “Silent Hunters” reflects its stealth-driven operational role.
Designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, the vessel is the lead ship of an eight-vessel series and showcases India’s growing maritime manufacturing capability. With over 80% indigenous content, the project brings together major defence manufacturers such as BEL, L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence Systems, NPOL, and more than 20 MSMEs, strengthening India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
INS Mahe significantly enhances the Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities in littoral zones. Compact yet heavily equipped, the vessel integrates advanced sensors, communication systems, and weapons designed specifically to detect and neutralise sub-surface threats in shallow waters. The ship is capable of sustained operations and features state-of-the-art machinery and control systems tailored for coastal missions.
Speaking at the ceremony, General Dwivedi emphasised that the induction of INS Mahe reflects India’s growing ability to design and deploy complex naval platforms using indigenous technologies. He said the vessel would bolster near-sea dominance, reinforce the coastal security grid, and safeguard national maritime interests. He highlighted the importance of jointness among the Armed Forces, noting that future conflicts will be multi-domain and require strong synergy. Citing Operation Sindoor, he reiterated the Army and Navy’s longstanding cooperation in humanitarian and amphibious operations.
The Mahe-class vessels will serve as the first line of defence along India’s coastline, working in coordination with larger warships, submarines, and naval aviation assets.
With INS Mahe joining the fleet, the Indian Navy reaffirms its posture of being “Combat Ready, Cohesive, and Aatmanirbhar,” committed to protecting India’s maritime frontiers and supporting a Viksit Samriddha Bharat.
