INS Mahe Commissioned as India’s First Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahe, the first indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, during a ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on 25 Nov 2025.

The event was hosted by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, and presided over by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff. Senior naval officers, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Kochi, and invited guests were present.

Ship Name, Crest, and Symbolism

The ship is named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast. The town’s maritime legacy and calm estuary reflect the vessel’s combination of refinement and strength. The crest portrays the Urumi, a flexible Kalaripayattu sword, rising from stylised blue waves to denote agility, precision, and controlled force. The mascot, a Cheetah, represents speed and concentration, while the motto “Silent Hunters” conveys stealth, vigilance, and constant preparedness.

Design, Construction, and Indigenous Contribution

Designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi, INS Mahe is the first of eight ships in its class. The project incorporates contributions from BEL, L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence Systems, NPOL, and more than 20 MSMEs, reflecting an expanding domestic network in naval design, equipment, and systems development. With more than 80 percent indigenous content, the ship highlights ongoing efforts to advance indigenisation through domestic technologies.

Operational Capabilities

The commissioning of INS Mahe enhances the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capacity, particularly for shallow and coastal environments. Its combat suite integrates multiple systems into a compact operational network. The vessel is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems that support detection, tracking, and engagement of sub-surface threats. It is designed for extended operations in shallow waters and includes advanced machinery and control systems.

Remarks from the Chief of the Army Staff

During the ceremony, General Upendra Dwivedi noted that the commissioning of INS Mahe represents the addition of a capable maritime platform and demonstrates India’s developing capacity to design and produce complex combat vessels using indigenous technology. He stated that the ship’s induction will enhance near-sea dominance, reinforce the coastal security framework, and support the protection of national maritime interests. He also stressed that joint capability across land, sea, and air is essential for future multi-domain challenges. Referring to Operation Sindoor as an example of coordinated action, he highlighted ongoing collaboration between the Army and Navy in HADR and amphibious missions globally.

Role of the Mahe-class in Coastal Defence

The Mahe-class ships will serve as the initial layer of coastal defence, working in coordination with larger surface vessels, submarines, and aviation assets to maintain continuous surveillance of India’s maritime zones. INS Mahe reinforces the Indian Navy’s posture of being combat ready, cohesive, and aligned with the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in securing the nation’s maritime spaces.