Indian Navy Commissions INS Mahe, First Mahe-Class ASW Shallow Water Craft

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahe, the first indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC).

• Commissioning took place at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, on 24 November 2025.
• The ship is named after Mahe, the historic coastal town on the Malabar Coast, reflecting maritime heritage and coastal defence tradition.

Symbolism & Identity

• Crest: Features the Urumi, the flexible Kalaripayattu sword, rising from stylised blue waves—signifying agility, precision, and lethal grace.
• Mascot: The Cheetah, representing speed, alertness, and sharp focus.
• Motto: “Silent Hunters”, highlighting stealth, silent operations, and constant vigilance in anti-submarine warfare.

Built Under Aatmanirbhar Bharat

• Designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
• INS Mahe is the lead ship among eight vessels in the Mahe-class series.
• The ship boasts over 80% indigenous content, showcasing India’s progress in self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) and defence manufacturing.

Strategic Role in Coastal Defence

• The Mahe-class ships will serve as the first line of coastal security, providing shallow-water anti-submarine capabilities.
• They will operate in synergy with:
  • Larger surface combatants
  • Submarines
  • Naval air assets
• The class enhances situational awareness, undersea surveillance, and rapid response capability in India’s coastal and littoral zones.

Strengthening Maritime Security

• INS Mahe reinforces the Navy’s resolve to remain:
  • Combat Ready
  • Cohesive
  • Aatmanirbhar
• The ship strengthens maritime preparedness, contributing to a Viksit Samriddha Bharat by protecting India’s seas and coastal infrastructure.

Source: PIB