Indian Navy launches seventh ASW SWC at Cochin Shipyard

The Indian Navy has launched Machilipatnam (BY 529), the seventh of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).

The vessel was launched on July 29, 2026, in the presence of Vice Admiral Atul Anand, Additional Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Indian Navy, Cochin Shipyard Limited, and other invited guests.

Named after the historic port city of Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh's Krishna district, the vessel honors the city's long-standing maritime heritage and role as a major trading hub on India's eastern coast.

Designed for operations in coastal waters, Machilipatnam is equipped to conduct underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO), and mine warfare missions. According to the Indian Navy, the platform will strengthen coastal defense capabilities while enhancing maritime domain awareness.

The launch marks another milestone in the Indian Navy's ASW shallow water craft program, which consists of eight vessels being constructed by CSL. The project has an indigenous content of more than 80%, reflecting India's efforts to expand domestic defense manufacturing under the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

Once commissioned, the ASW SWCs are expected to improve the Indian Navy's ability to detect and counter submarine threats in coastal waters while supporting the protection of India's maritime interests across the Indian Ocean Region.

To remind, in November last year, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahe, the first of the indigenously designed and built Mahe-class ASW SWC.

The Mahe-class will form the first line of coastal defense, integrating seamlessly with larger surface combatants, submarines, and aviation assets.