New Delhi: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, has delivered ‘Mahe’, the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs), to the Indian Navy on October 23, 2025. The induction marks a significant step forward in India’s coastal defence and maritime security capabilities.
Named after the historic port town of Mahe in the Union Territory of Puducherry, the vessel pays homage to India’s rich maritime heritage. Designed and constructed indigenously by CSL, ‘Mahe’ aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, highlighting India’s growing self-reliance in naval shipbuilding.
Specifications and Capabilities of ‘Mahe’
The 78-metre-long vessel, with a displacement of approximately 1,100 tons, is equipped for –
- Underwater surveillance
- Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO)
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations in coastal waters
‘Mahe’ also features advanced mine-laying capabilities and is armed with torpedoes, multifunctional anti-submarine rockets, and state-of-the-art radars and sonars, making it a formidable addition to India’s coastal defence fleet.
Indigenous Shipbuilding Milestone
With over 80 percent indigenous content, the delivery of ‘Mahe’ marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous shipbuilding programme. The vessel underscores the country’s commitment to technological self-reliance in defence production and enhances the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capacity in the littoral regions.
The remaining seven ASW SWCs are expected to be delivered in the coming years, further strengthening India’s maritime security and coastal operational readiness.
About CSL
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is India’s leading shipbuilding and ship repair company and a Miniratna Category-I Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, CSL has built a diverse portfolio that includes commercial vessels, defense platforms, and complex offshore structures.
The company has played a crucial role in Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by delivering technologically advanced vessels for the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and international clients. Its recent expansion into green shipping, including LNG-fueled vessels and electric ferries, underscores CSL’s commitment to sustainable maritime solutions.
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