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Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar coast, INS Mahe is the lead vessel of the new Mahe-class of anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts, or ASW-SWC
A view of INS Mahe, the first Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft, was commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on November 24, 2025. (Image: PIB/PTI)
In what can be called a significant milestone towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and modernisation, the Indian Navy commissioned the INS Mahe – the lead vessel of the new Mahe-class of anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts, or ASW-SWC.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Monday, was presided over by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi.
The commissioning of the INS Mahe introduces a “new generation” of indigenous shallow-water combatants to the Indian fleet – vessels described by the navy as “sleek, swift, and resolutely Indian”. Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar coast, the ship embodies agility, precision, and endurance. It is the first of eight ships planned for this class.
WHAT ARE THE KEY FEATURES?
The Indian Navy views the Mahe-class as a critical asset that will “form the first line of coastal defence, integrating seamlessly with larger surface combatants, submarines, and aviation assets to maintain constant vigilance over India’s maritime areas of operation”.
The vessel, which was delivered to the navy on October 23, possesses a unique blend of operational features designed for the demanding shallow water environment.
Here’s all you need to know about INS Mahe:
- Designed primarily to hunt submarines, conduct coastal patrols, and secure India’s vital maritime approaches.
- Fitted with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems. Specifically equipped with torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets.
- Its systems enable it to “detect, track, and neutralise sub-surface threats with precision”.
- Capable of sustaining prolonged operations in shallow waters.
- Features “technologically advanced machinery and control systems”.
- Classified as compact yet powerful, the ship’s design emphasises agility, precision, and endurance.
- Its crest features an urumi – the flexible sword of Kalarippayattu, symbolising “agility, precision, and lethal grace”.
- The ship’s mascot is the cheetah, embodying speed and focus, while its motto is “Silent Hunters”, reflects “stealth, vigilance, and unyielding readiness”. The vessel is slated to serve on the western seaboard.
‘FIRST LINE OF COASTAL DEFENCE’
During the ceremony, General Upendra Dwivedi expressed profound pride in the achievement, highlighting its importance not just for naval strength but for national technological prowess.
“At the outset, bravo zulu to the commanding officer, officers and men of Mahe and all those involved in this ceremony for such a fine arrangement and outstanding ceremony. It’s a moment of immense pride and a profound sense of honour to be present at the commissioning ceremony of INS Mahe, first of the eight anti-submarine war-face shallow watercrafts being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Indian Navy,” General Dwivedi said.
He stressed that the induction of this vessel confirms India’s growing capability in defence manufacturing, noting it “not only marks the induction of a potent new platform to the maritime order of battle, but it also reaffirms maritime capability to design, construct and field complex combatants with indigenous technologies”. General Dwivedi said this will enhance the Indian Navy’s capability to “ensure near-seas dominance, strengthen the coastal security grid, and safeguard our maritime interests across the vast expanse of our littorals”.
He connected the induction to the navy’s evolving identity, saying it “reaffirms the navy’s steadfast transformation into a ‘Builders’ Navy’, one that designs, constructs, and sustains its own combat platforms”.
“Today, over 75 percent platforms of the navy’s capital acquisition are sourced indigenously. From warships and submarines to high sonar and weapon systems, Indian shipyards, public and private, stand as living proof of our nation’s industrial and technological dominance,” he said.
‘BUILDERS’ NAVY’
The INS Mahe’s commissioning is a powerful testament to India’s commitment to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative in defence technology.
Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi, the vessel demonstrates significant national expertise. The navy said the Mahe-class showcases India’s growing mastery in warship design, construction, and integration, featuring over 80 percent indigenous content.
This indigenous content level underlines the transformation of the service into what General Dwivedi repeatedly referred to as a “Builder’s Navy”, one that is self-powered and dedicated to safeguarding India’s maritime frontiers.
(With agency inputs)
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
November 24, 2025, 4:57 PM IST
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