Context
- The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahe, the first vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
• The ceremony was presided over by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi — the first time in history that an Army Chief commissioned a naval warship.
• The induction marks a major boost to India’s coastal defence, underwater domain awareness and anti-submarine capabilities.
Key Highlights
Platform & Capabilities
- Designed exclusively for littoral / shallow-water anti-submarine operations.
• Capable of detecting, tracking and neutralising submarines and autonomous underwater vehicles operating close to the coast.
• Equipped with:
→ Advanced sonar suite for underwater detection
→ Precision short-range ASW weapon package (torpedoes, depth charges)
→ High manoeuvrability & stealth engineering
• Ideal for: coastal surveillance, convoy protection, offshore asset security and sea-denial missions.
Class & Production
- Lead ship of the Mahe-class series under the ASW-SWC programme (8 vessels planned).
• Designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited.
• Underwent over two years of sea trials before induction.
• Aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat & Make in India naval shipbuilding ecosystem.
Strategic Role
- First line of defence in coastal & shallow-water zones — where conventional destroyers/frigates cannot operate effectively.
• Enhances layered maritime security, complementing:
→ Blue-water fleet
→ Naval aviation surveillance
→ Coastal radar + seabed sensor networks
• Motto → “Silent Hunters”, symbolising stealth & constant vigilance.
Relevant Prelims Points
- INS Mahe → Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), first in its class.
• Indigenous content: 80%+ Indian-made components and systems.
• Manufacturer: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
• ASW-SWCs are not deep-sea combatants → tailored for littoral operations.
• Core role:
→ Hull-mounted sonar
→ Torpedoes & depth charges
→ Sea-denial & offshore asset security
• Supports India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine.
Relevant Mains Points
Maritime Security & IOR Strategic Dynamics
- India faces rising submarine presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from state and non-state actors.
• ASW is critical for protecting Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) and Blue Economy infrastructure.
• INS Mahe strengthens:
→ Coastal surveillance
→ Anti-submarine patrolling
→ Protection of offshore energy platforms and ports
Indigenous Defence & Atmanirbhar Bharat
- 80% indigenous content → strengthens:
→ Indian shipbuilding industry
→ Defence MSMEs & Tier-II/III suppliers
→ Technology absorption & military R&D
• Enhances self-reliance, employment and export potential in naval platforms.
Jointness & Multi-Domain Operations
- Commissioning by Army Chief symbolises tri-service integration.
• INS Mahe integrates seamlessly with:
→ Surface combatants
→ Submarine fleet
→ Naval aviation & UAVs
→ Aligns with future Theatre Command architecture and multi-domain warfare doctrine.
Way Forward
- Accelerate induction of the remaining 7 Mahe-class vessels.
• Integrate INS Mahe with:
→ UAVs & satellite surveillance
→ Underwater sensor grids
→ AI-enhanced submarine detection systems
• Create dedicated ASW coastal task groups across both seaboards.
• Expand anti-drone & underwater swarm-defence capabilities.