Indian Navy Commissions Indigenous Anti-Submarine Vessel Mahe

The Indian Navy will commission Mahe, the first vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, marking a major milestone in India’s drive toward naval self-reliance. The ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai signifies the induction of a new generation of fast, compact and highly indigenous shallow-water combatants.

Commissioning Ceremony and Leadership

The event will be hosted by Vice-Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, with the Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi presiding. This commissioning underscores joint service cooperation at a time of growing emphasis on maritime security.

Design, Indigenous Content and Construction

Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, the Mahe-class vessel features more than 80% indigenous content, showcasing advances in design, integration and shipbuilding under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Compact yet powerful, the craft is engineered for precision and endurance in shallow-water operations close to the coastline.

Capabilities and Operational Role

Mahe has been conceived as a “Silent Hunter” for the Western Seaboard. With its blend of stealth, agility and firepower, the vessel is equipped to detect and neutralise submarines, undertake coastal patrols and secure vital approaches to Indian ports. Its capabilities position it as a key asset for dominating littoral zones where mobility and rapid response are crucial.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Mahe is the first ship of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft.
• Over 80% of the vessel’s components are indigenously sourced.
• It is built by Cochin Shipyard Limited under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• The ship’s crest features an Urumi, symbolising agility and precision.

Cultural Significance and Upcoming Naval Events

Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe, the ship bears a crest inspired by Kerala’s martial tradition, depicting the Urumi rising from the sea. The commissioning comes as the Navy prepares for Navy Day 2025 celebrations on 3 December in Thiruvananthapuram, where an operational demonstration will showcase the force’s expanding maritime capabilities.