The Indian Navy recently welcomed a new addition to its fleet: the ‘Mahe,’ an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft. Delivered by Cochin Shipyard Limited on October 23, 2025, this vessel marks a major leap in India’s maritime defense and shipbuilding capabilities.
A Nod to Maritime Heritage
Named after the historic town of Mahe in Puducherry, this ship pays homage to India’s long connection with the sea, stretching back to ancient trade routes and now shaping modern naval strategies. It reflects India’s commitment to maintaining its stronghold in coastal waters, especially as threats from submarines and drones increase.
Homegrown Innovation
What’s exciting about ‘Mahe’ is that it was entirely designed and built in India, showcasing the nation’s growing capabilities in naval construction. With over 80% of its components coming from Indian sources, this project embodies the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting self-reliance in defense.
Cochin Shipyard, known for creating advanced combat vessels, delivered ‘Mahe’ ahead of schedule, a noteworthy achievement under the eight-vessel ASW SWC Project aimed at upgrading India’s aging fleet.
Technical Features
‘Mahe’ is compact but loaded with advanced tech. It is primarily designed for anti-submarine operations in shallow waters and can also handle low-intensity maritime tasks and mine-laying duties.
Key specifications include:
- Length: About 78 meters
- Displacement: Roughly 1,100 tons
This vessel is built to identify and neutralize underwater threats swiftly, which is crucial given the rising number of foreign submarines in the Indian Ocean.
Strategic Role in the Indian Ocean
The arrival of ‘Mahe’ strengthens the Indian Navy’s coastal defense, allowing for quicker deployment against submarine threats. This is particularly important as India adapts its naval strategies to face a range of new threats, including hybrid warfare. The design of ASW SWCs enables successful missions in shallow coastal waters where larger ships cannot operate effectively.
Supporting India’s Defense Industry
The ‘Mahe’ project showcases the collaboration between different sectors, including public and private defense manufacturers, small enterprises, and tech suppliers. This teamwork not only enhances India’s defense capabilities but also fosters job creation and innovation.
The Future: More Vessels on the Horizon
The Indian Navy expects to welcome seven more ASW SWCs in the coming years, each equipped with advanced features to counter emerging maritime challenges. With ‘Mahe’ setting the stage, these upcoming vessels are anticipated to further strengthen India’s coastal and underwater defenses.
The launch of ‘Mahe’ represents a significant moment for India—a blend of tradition, technological advancement, and strategic vision. As the country moves towards becoming a self-reliant naval power, it reinforces its goals of secure seas and strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
For a closer look at India’s naval strategies and advancements, explore resources from The Diplomat and Government of India.
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Indian Navy, Mahe ASW SWC, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Shallow Water Craft, Indigenous Warship, Maritime Security, Defence Manufacturing, Coastal Defence, Indian Ocean Region
