INS Malvan Commissioned as Navy’s Second Mahe-Class ASW Shallow Water Craft

INS Malvan, the second of the indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was commissioned at Karwar on 22 Jul 2026. The event was presided over by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Other senior naval officers, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, veterans, and distinguished guests were also in attendance.

The ship carries deep historical and cultural significance as it derives its name from the historical coastal town of Malvan in Maharashtra, a region intrinsically linked to the illustrious maritime heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The vessel also encapsulates the legacy of her predecessor, an inshore Indian Naval Minesweeper that remained in service till 2003.

INS Malvan is the second of eight ASW-SWCs, being indigenously built by CSL, Kochi, and the sixth of 16 ASW-SWCs to be commissioned into Indian Navy. With over 80 percent indigenous content, the ship reinforces the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s expanding ecosystem of naval design, equipment, system integration, and growing self-reliance in defence shipbuilding.

The vessel is equipped for Underwater Surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) along with Mine Warfare capability. The vessel will further bolster coastal defence, littoral security, and enhance Maritime Domain Awareness.

The crest of INS Malvan carries the ‘Bagh Nakha’ (Tiger’s Claw), symbolising bravery, warfare tactics, agility, and audacity, resonating with the ship’s ethos to attack rapidly and strike silently. The waves surrounding ‘Bagh Nakha’ reflect the vast sea surrounding the coasts and the Indian Navy’s unwavering resolve to remain ever vigilant, ever ready, and steadfast in safeguarding the nation’s seas and sovereignty. The ship’s motto, ‘Silent Claws’, embodies lethality, stealth, and the ability to strike the adversary swiftly.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Chief of the Air Staff emphasised the critical importance of safeguarding sea lines of communication to ensure unimpeded maritime trade amid global uncertainties. He lauded the Indian Navy’s impressive growth and its commitment to the Aatmanirbhar initiative, specifically highlighting the warship’s over 80 percent indigenous content. Drawing inspiration from the Indian Navy’s model of embedding officers directly into the shipbuilding process, he suggested that similar practices could accelerate self-reliance across the broader defence ecosystem. He also reaffirmed the vision of tri-service integration, calling for seamless jointness among the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force to ensure the nation succeeds as one unified force in future conflicts.

The commissioning of INS Malvan adds a significant punch to the Indian Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities. With the ability to operate seamlessly with larger surface combatants, submarines, and aviation assets, induction of INS Malvan enables the Indian Navy to remain Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future Ready to ensure national security and safeguard India’s maritime interests at all times and at all locations.