Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has handed over ‘Mahe’, the first in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), to the Indian Navy.
At 78 meters long, Mahe is the largest Indian Naval warship powered by a Diesel Engine–Waterjet combination, a major step in India’s indigenous naval design and construction. Built for underwater surveillance, search and rescue, and low-intensity maritime operations, the vessel is also equipped for anti-submarine warfare and advanced mine-laying in coastal waters.
According to CSL, the induction of these ASW SWCs will significantly strengthen the Navy’s shallow-water anti-submarine capabilities.
The vessel has been designed and built in line with the Classification Rules of Det Norske Veritas (DNV), reflecting high international standards of naval engineering.
The official handover took place in Kochi, where the acceptance documents were signed by Dr. S. Harikrishnan, Director (Operations) at CSL, and Commander Amit Chandra Choubey, Commanding Officer (Designate) of Mahe. The event was attended by Rear Admiral R. Adhisrinivasan, CSO (Tech), Western Naval Command; Commodore Anup Menon, Warship Production Superintendent, Kochi; and senior officials from the Navy and Cochin Shipyard.CSL noted that Mahe’s delivery marks another milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in shipbuilding, aligning with the government’s Aatma Nirbhar Bharat initiative. Over 90 percent of the vessel’s components are indigenously sourced, showcasing India’s growing expertise in defense manufacturing.
