India’s first Mahe-class ASW-SWC enters service

November 24, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahe, the first of the indigenously designed and built Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC), during a ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.

As disclosed, the ceremony, which took place today (November 24, 2025), was presided over by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, with senior naval officers.

Designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), INS Mahe is the lead ship of eight vessels in its class. The ship has over 80% indigenous content and underscores the Indian Navy’s sustained efforts to promote indigenisation through homegrown solutions and innovative technologies.

The commissioning of INS Mahe adds significant punch to the Indian Navy’s ASW capabilities, particularly in countering threats in the littorals. The ship’s combat suite blends multiple systems into a compact network, according to the navy officials.

Fitted with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems enabling it to detect, track, and neutralise sub-surface threats with precision, the unit can sustain prolonged operations in shallow waters and features technologically advanced machinery and control systems. It is designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters.

Addressing the ceremony, General Dwivedi highlighted that the commissioning of INS Mahe marks not only the induction of a potent new maritime platform, but also reflects India’s growing ability to design, construct and field complex combatants using indigenous technology.

He emphasised that the induction of the ship will significantly augment the Indian Navy’s capacity to ensure near-sea dominance, strengthen the coastal security grid and safeguard India’s maritime interests across the littorals.