The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Mahe, the first vessel of the indigenously built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), during a formal ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, and hosted by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Senior naval leaders, officials from Cochin Shipyard Ltd, and distinguished guests attended the event.
A Tribute to Maritime Heritage
Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast, the ship reflects both heritage and strength.
Its crest features the Urumi, the flexible sword of Kalaripayattu, rising from stylised waves, symbolising agility, precision and lethal grace.
The ship’s mascot — the Cheetah — represents speed, awareness and striking capability, while its motto “Silent Hunters” emphasises stealth and readiness.
First of Eight Ships, Built Under Aatmanirbhar Bharat
INS Mahe is the lead ship of an eight-vessel class designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, with contributions from BEL, L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence, NPOL, and over 20 MSMEs.
With more than 80% indigenous content, the ship stands as a major milestone in India’s drive toward defence self-reliance.
Boost to India’s Littoral ASW Capability
Purpose-built for anti-submarine missions in coastal and shallow waters, INS Mahe carries a compact yet advanced combat suite that integrates sensors, weapons, and communication systems to detect, track, and neutralise underwater threats.
Equipped with modern propulsion, control systems, and endurance for prolonged operations in littorals, the ship significantly strengthens the Navy’s ability to safeguard coastal security and maintain near-sea dominance.
‘Symbol of India’s Growing Maritime Power’: Gen Upendra Dwivedi
Addressing the ceremony, General Upendra Dwivedi said the commissioning of INS Mahe:
- Marks India’s enhanced capability to design and field complex maritime platforms using indigenous technology.
- Will substantially augment the Navy’s capacity for coastal defence and littoral warfare.
- Reflects the importance of jointness across land, sea, and air—critical for future multi-domain operations.
- Highlights the success of recent joint operations, citing Operation Sindoor as a key example of inter-service synergy.
Strengthening Coastal Defence Grid
The Mahe-class vessels will serve as the first line of defence in India’s coastal security architecture, operating alongside larger warships, submarines, and naval aviation assets. INS Mahe reinforces the Navy’s posture as Combat Ready, Cohesive, and Aatmanirbhar, contributing to secure seas for a Viksit, Samriddha Bharat.
