New Delhi : In a major boost to India’s maritime security, the Indian Navy on Monday inducted INS Mahe, the first vessel in a new series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC). The addition of this modern platform marks a significant step in enhancing the nation’s coastal vigilance and underwater combat readiness.
In a major boost to India’s maritime security, the Indian Navy on Monday inducted INS Mahe, the first vessel in a new series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC). The addition of this modern platform marks a significant step in enhancing the nation’s coastal vigilance and underwater combat readiness.
A Moment of Honour
The commissioning event witnessed the presence of General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, who officially welcomed INS Mahe into naval service. Speaking at the ceremony, General Dwivedi said the ship signifies not only technological advancement but also the nation’s collective confidence in its armed forces. He extended his best wishes to the crew, expressing hope that the ship would play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of India’s maritime boundaries.
Cultural Legacy Meets Naval Precision
INS Mahe derives its name from the culturally rich town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast. The vessel’s crest carries an evocative symbol—the ‘Urumi’, a flexible sword from the martial discipline of Kalarippayattu. This emblem underscores the ship’s defining attributes: agility, control, and lethal precision, making the metaphor of the “Silent Hunter” apt for its operational role.
A Showcase of Indigenous Excellence
Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, INS Mahe stands as a proud example of India’s commitment to defense self-reliance. With more than 80 percent indigenous components, the vessel reflects the steady strides made under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, particularly in sophisticated shipbuilding and systems engineering.
Design and Capabilities
Crafted for superior performance in shallow waters, INS Mahe packs impressive features into a compact frame:
• Length: 78 meters
• Beam: 11 meters
• Displacement: Around 1,100 tonnes
• Propulsion: Twin-shaft diesel engines delivering 6 MW
• Speed: Up to 25 knots
• Range: Approx. 1,800 nautical miles at cruising speeds
• Crew Capacity: About 60 sailors
Strengthening the Western Seaboard
The Mahe-class vessels are set to replace the Navy’s aging Abhay-class corvettes. As the newest sentry on the Western Seaboard, INS Mahe is equipped with advanced indigenous systems such as a hull-mounted sonar array, high-performance surveillance radar, and modern lightweight torpedoes. These capabilities dramatically enhance the Navy’s ability to detect and neutralize enemy diesel-electric submarines in the Indian
Ocean Region.
With its induction, INS Mahe fortifies India’s anti-submarine warfare network and reinforces the country’s determination to secure its maritime interests with homegrown technology and robust naval preparedness.
