Designed for operations in coastal and shallow waters, INS Mahe is equipped with a sophisticated suite of combat systems, sensors, and communication technologies that enable it to detect, track, and neutralise sub-surface threats with precision
Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, presided over the event. Pic/Defence PRO
In a significant stride towards strengthening India's maritime defence capabilities, the Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Mahe, the first indigenously designed and built Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC). The vessel was formally inducted into the Western Naval Command during a grand ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including the Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, who presided over the event. Also present were Vice-Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, senior naval officers, officials from Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), Kochi, and other notable dignitaries.
Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast, the submarine embodies the town's rich maritime heritage. The ship's crest, featuring the Urumi – the flexible sword of Kalaripayattu – rising from stylised blue waves, symbolises the vessel’s agility, precision, and lethal grace. The ship's mascot, the cheetah, represents speed and focus, while its motto, ‘Silent Hunters’, encapsulates the vessel’s stealth and operational readiness in tracking and neutralising underwater threats.
A symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat
INS Mahe stands as a testament to India’s growing capabilities in indigenous shipbuilding and defence technology. Designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, this vessel is the lead ship in a class of eight such crafts.
Developed in collaboration with several Indian firms, including BEL, L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence Systems, and NPOL, the ship highlights India's expanding ecosystem for naval design, equipment, and system integration.
With more than 80 per cent indigenous content, the ship is a proud symbol of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, reinforcing the country's commitment to developing indigenous solutions for its defence needs.
Addressing the ceremony, General Upendra Dwivedi hailed the commissioning of INS Mahe as a major milestone in India’s maritime capabilities. He emphasised that the ship’s induction into the fleet represents not only a powerful addition to the Indian Navy's assets but also a reflection of India’s growing self-reliance in the defence sector. “The commissioning of INS Mahe strengthens our capacity to safeguard India’s maritime interests, enhance near-sea dominance, and secure the littoral regions. It underscores the synergy between land, sea, and air forces, which will be critical in future multi-domain conflicts,” he said.
Enhancing anti-submarine warfare capabilities
Designed for operations in coastal and shallow waters, INS Mahe is equipped with a sophisticated suite of combat systems, sensors, and communication technologies that enable it to detect, track, and neutralise sub-surface threats with precision. Its compact design, combined with cutting-edge machinery and control systems, makes it ideal for prolonged operations in challenging shallow water environments.
The Mahe-class ships will form the first line of coastal defence, seamlessly integrating with larger surface combatants, submarines, and aviation assets to maintain constant vigilance over India's maritime borders. The ship’s powerful anti-submarine warfare systems will play a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s strategic interests across the vast Indian Ocean region, particularly in the face of evolving maritime threats.
The commissioning of INS Mahe adds a new dimension to the Indian Navy’s ability to counter sub-surface threats and enhance coastal security. It also marks a significant step forward in India’s naval indigenisation efforts, demonstrating the country’s capacity to design and field advanced warships with homegrown technology.
With its induction into service, INS Mahe will serve as a cornerstone in India’s maritime defence strategy, contributing to the Indian Navy’s vision of becoming a Combat-Ready, Cohesive, and Aatmanirbhar force. The ship will work in close coordination with other naval assets, ensuring that India maintains a robust and dynamic presence in its maritime domains.
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