16 July,2026 07:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The ship is designed and built to strengthen the India Navy’s ability to operate in shallow coastal waters and undertake anti-submarine warfare missions. Pic/Defence PRO
The Indian Navy is set to commission Malvan, the second vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) series, on July 22, 2026, an official statement said on Thursday.
The commissioning ceremony will be attended by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, who will preside over the event. Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, will also be present along with senior naval officials, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), veterans and other distinguished guests.
The vessel has been constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi and represents India's focus on self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
With more than 80 per cent indigenous content, Malvan highlights India's growing capabilities in warship design, construction and advanced system integration, the statement, issued by a defence PRO, said.
The ship is designed and built to strengthen the India Navy's ability to operate in shallow coastal waters and undertake anti-submarine warfare missions.
The Mahe-class ASW Shallow Water Craft are designed for operations in coastal regions, including detecting and countering underwater threats.
Malvan combines speed, manoeuvrability and endurance, allowing it to operate effectively in challenging shallow-water environments.
The commissioning of the vessel marks another step in the Indian Navy's efforts to expand its fleet with modern, locally built platforms.
The induction of Malvan will add to the Indian Navy's growing fleet of indigenous vessels and enhance its capabilities in underwater surveillance and coastal security.
The ship reflects India's continued investment in domestic defence manufacturing and its ambition to become a major naval power through indigenous technology and innovation.
Meanwhile, last week, the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) carried out a joint Passage Exercise (PASSEX) off the coast of Mumbai to strengthen maritime cooperation and improve operational coordination, an official statement said.
The exercise involved INS Surat and the Japanese destroyer JS Takanami (DD-110).
JS Takanami arrived in Mumbai on July 5, 2026 for an operational turnaround during its ongoing deployment in the Western Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The visit formed part of the ship's operational deployment and provided an opportunity for professional interaction between the two navies.
During the PASSEX on July 8, the two naval ships carried out a series of drills aimed at improving interoperability.
The exercise included:
Validation of communication procedures
Tactical manoeuvres at sea
Exchange of operational best practices
Coordination between the two naval forces
The activities were designed to enhance cooperation during future maritime operations.
The PASSEX concluded with a steam past, during which both ships exchanged traditional naval courtesies.
Such exercises help strengthen professional ties, improve operational readiness and reinforce defence cooperation between India and Japan.
