India’s First Indigenous Anti-Submarine Vessel “Mahe” delivered to Navy by Cochin Shipyard

India’s defence manufacturing sector achieved a major milestone as Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) handed over Mahe, the first of eight indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC), to the Indian Navy. The delivery underscores India’s commitment to enhancing naval strength through indigenous design, innovation, and technology under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat initiative.

Formal Handover Ceremony in Kochi

The vessel was officially delivered during a ceremony where Dr S. Harikrishnan, Director (Operations) at CSL, signed the acceptance documents with Commander Amit Chandra Choubey, the Commanding Officer-Designate of “Mahe”. The event was graced by Rear Admiral R. Adhisrinivasan, Chief Staff Officer (Technical), Western Naval Command, along with Commodore Anup Menon and other senior naval and shipyard officials, reflecting the importance of this addition to the Navy’s fleet.

Indigenous Design and Technical Excellence

Designed and built entirely by Cochin Shipyard, “Mahe” adheres to the classification standards of Det Norske Veritas (DNV). The 78-metre-long vessel is the largest Indian naval ship to operate with a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion system, enhancing speed, manoeuvrability, and performance in shallow waters. The ship’s multi-mission role includes underwater surveillance, anti-submarine operations, search and rescue missions, and mine-laying tasks.

Boost to Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Vision

Officials highlighted that “Mahe” incorporates more than 90 per cent indigenous content, with most of its materials, machinery, sensors, and systems sourced domestically. This achievement represents a key stride in India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing and reflects the growing capability of the national defence industrial base to deliver complex naval platforms.

Exam Oriented Facts

• “Mahe” is the first in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited.
• The vessel measures 78 metres and uses a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion system.
• Over 90% of the ship’s components are indigenously sourced under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat initiative.
• CSL is India’s leading shipbuilder, certified to ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, and 27001 standards.

Strengthening India’s Coastal Defence Fleet

The delivery of “Mahe” marks a significant step in augmenting the Indian Navy’s shallow-water combat capabilities. Equipped with advanced sensors, sonar systems, and communication suites, the vessel will play a crucial role in coastal security and anti-submarine warfare operations. The remaining seven vessels in the ASW SWC series are currently under construction at Cochin Shipyard and are scheduled for phased delivery in the coming years, further fortifying India’s maritime defence posture.