Indian Navy Commissions Indigenous Mahe Anti-Submarine Vessel: Advancing Maritime Self-Reliance

The Indian Navy is set to commission Mahe, the first vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at Mumbai's Naval Dockyard on Monday.

Vice-Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, will host the ceremony, with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi presiding over the event, according to an official statement.

This commissioning represents the introduction of a new generation of indigenous shallow-water combatants that are sleek, swift, and distinctly Indian in design and manufacture.

The Mahe-class vessels feature impressive indigenous content exceeding 80 percent, demonstrating India's advancing capabilities in warship design, construction, and systems integration.

Mahe will operate as a 'Silent Hunter' along India's Western Seaboard, embodying the nation's self-reliance initiative while protecting maritime boundaries.

Constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi, the vessel represents the pinnacle of India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative in naval vessel development.

Though compact, the ship delivers remarkable power with its combination of agility, precision, and endurance—essential attributes for effective littoral operations.

The vessel's integrated firepower, stealth features, and mobility make it ideally suited for submarine detection, coastal patrol duties, and securing India's critical maritime approaches.

Named after the historic Malabar Coast town of Mahe, the ship's crest incorporates the 'Urumi'—a flexible sword from Kalaripayattu martial arts—symbolizing the vessel's agility, precision, and lethal effectiveness.

The Indian Navy recently unveiled Mahe's crest, which draws inspiration from regional cultural and martial heritage, featuring the 'Urumi' emerging from the sea—a traditional symbol of Kerala's martial legacy.

In related developments, the Indian Navy has begun preparations for Navy Day 2025, scheduled for December 3.

The celebration will feature an impressive operational demonstration at Thiruvananthapuram's Shangumugham beach, showcasing the precision, professionalism, and expanding capabilities of India's maritime forces.

The event, originally planned for December 4, has been moved forward by one day.

This celebration continues the Navy's recent tradition of hosting Navy Day events away from major naval installations, with previous demonstrations held in Puri, Odisha and Sindhudurg, Maharashtra.