Mahe: India's First Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Vessel Delivered to Navy by Cochin Shipyard

Indigenous Anti-Submarine Vessel Mahe

India's self-reliance initiative in defense manufacturing has reached a significant milestone as Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) delivered Mahe, the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), to the Indian Navy.

The formal handover ceremony featured the signing of acceptance documents between CSL's Director Operations, Dr. S. Harikrishnan, and the vessel's Commanding Officer-Designate, Commander Amit Chandra Choubey.

The ceremony was attended by prominent naval officials including Rear Admiral R. Adhisrinivasan, Chief Staff Officer, Technical from Western Naval Command, and Commodore Anup Menon, Superintendent of Warship Production in Kochi, alongside other senior representatives from both the navy and shipyard.

Mahe represents a breakthrough in Indian naval engineering, being indigenously designed and constructed by CSL under Det Norske Veritas (DNV) classification standards.

At 78 meters in length, this vessel stands as the largest Indian naval craft powered by a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion system, a configuration specifically chosen to enhance maneuverability, speed, and operational capabilities in shallow waters.

The vessel is engineered for versatile deployment, capable of underwater surveillance, search and rescue operations, low-intensity maritime missions, and mine-laying activities.

Featuring state-of-the-art sensors and sophisticated communication systems, Mahe will substantially enhance the navy's coastal defense infrastructure and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Officials highlighted that Mahe exemplifies the government's Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision, incorporating over 90 percent indigenous components.

The majority of materials, machinery, sensors, and onboard systems have been sourced from Indian manufacturers, demonstrating the growing sophistication of India's domestic defense industrial ecosystem.

This delivery represents a crucial advancement in the Indian Navy's indigenization strategy and strengthens its shallow-water combat fleet capabilities.

The remaining seven ASW SWC vessels are at various construction stages at CSL and will be delivered progressively over the coming years according to schedule.

Cochin Shipyard Limited stands as a premier Indian shipbuilding and repair facility, holding certifications for ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, and 27001 standards.

Repeatedly recognized by the government for excellence in operations, CSL combines cutting-edge infrastructure, specialized expertise, and innovative technology in its shipbuilding endeavors.