Cochin Shipyard Delivers First Anti-Submarine Shallow Water Craft To Indian Navy.

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has delivered the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), named ‘Mahe’, to the Indian Navy on 23rd October 2025. It was named after the historic port town in the Union Territory of Puducherry, symbolises India’s rich maritime heritage.

The 78-metre-long warship, designed and built in India, is the largest vessel in the Navy to be powered by a diesel engine-waterjet combination. This propulsion system provides high manoeuvrability and a lower acoustic signature, making it highly effective for anti-submarine operations in shallow coastal waters.

Mahe has been designed to undertake a range of missions including underwater surveillance, search and rescue operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and mine-laying tasks. Its compact design and agility make it suitable for operations in shallow waters where larger destroyers and frigates face navigational challenges.

The ship was built in accordance with the Classification Rules of Det Norske Veritas (DNV), ensuring high standards of safety, performance, and reliability. Over 90% of the ship’s components are sourced domestically, reflecting India’s focus on Self Reliant India with pertinence to defence manufacturing.

• Capacity: It has a displacement of around 1,100 tons.

• It carries torpedoes, multi-functional anti-submarine rockets, and sophisticated radar and sonar systems that allow it to detect underwater threats with precision.

• The ship can also perform underwater surveillance, lay naval mines if required, and take part in smaller-scale coastal operations known as Low Intensity Maritime Operations.

• Significance: It will significantly augment the Indian Navy’s ASW capability, enhancing maritime security in the littorals.

The formal acceptance of the ship was completed by Dr S. Harikrishnan, Director (Operations) of CSL, and Commander Amit Chandra Choubey, Commanding Officer (Designate) of Mahe.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Indian Navy, including Rear Admiral R. Adhi Srinivasan, Chief Staff Officer (Technical) of the Western Naval Command, and Commodore Anup Menon, Warship Production Superintendent, Kochi.

Officials from CSL stated that the induction of the ASW SWC series is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s shallow water anti-submarine capabilities, further strengthening India’s coastal security and operational readiness.

Team Maverick