Cochin Shipyard Launches Seventh ASW SWC Vessel

Cochin Shipyard Limited launched the seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, INS Machilipatnam (BY 529), for the Indian Navy on 29 July 2026 in Kochi. The vessel belongs to the eight-ship Mahe-class ASW SWC project and is designed for coastal anti-submarine operations, low-intensity maritime operations, mine-laying, and subsurface surveillance.

Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft

Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft are naval vessels built for operations in shallow coastal waters. These ships are used for detecting, tracking, and engaging submarines near the coast, where larger warships may have limited manoeuvrability.

Design and Technical Features

INS Machilipatnam measures 78.0 metres in length and 11.36 metres in beam. It has a draught of about 2.7 metres, a displacement of around 900 tonnes, and a maximum speed of 25 knots. The vessel carries indigenously developed Hull Mounted Sonar and Low Frequency Variable Depth Sonar systems for underwater surveillance.

Mahe-class Project and Indigenous Content

The Mahe-class ASW SWC project is an eight-vessel contract between Cochin Shipyard Limited and the Indian Navy. The project has over 80 per cent indigenous content and is linked to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing. The first vessel of the series, Mahe, was delivered on 23 October 2025, and the second vessel, INS Malvan, was delivered on 31 March 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• INS Machilipatnam is the seventh vessel in the Mahe-class ASW SWC series.
• The ship was launched in Kochi, Kerala, on 29 July 2026.
• Machilipatnam is a historic port city in Andhra Pradesh.
• Low Frequency Variable Depth Sonar is used for underwater detection in naval operations.

Naval Naming and Classification

Indian Navy warships are often named after cities, rivers, or historical places with maritime links. Machilipatnam is a coastal town on the Bay of Bengal and has long been associated with trade and port activity in the eastern Indian seaboard.