Kolkata: The Indian Navy will commission Mangrol, the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, on October 12, 2026, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The induction of the vessel marks another milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen its indigenous warship-building capabilities and enhance maritime security.
The commissioning ceremony will be attended by senior naval and defence officials, representatives of the Ministry of Defence and Cochin Shipyard Limited, naval veterans, and representatives of indigenous weapons and sensor manufacturers.
With more than 80% indigenous content, Mangrol highlights India’s growing capabilities in warship design, construction and the integration of advanced weapons and sensor systems. The vessel also reflects the Indian Navy’s continued focus on domestic defence manufacturing and self-reliance in naval shipbuilding.
Indian Navy to Commission Third ASW-SWC Mangrol
The commissioning of Mangrol represents a significant step in strengthening the Indian Navy’s capabilities to detect and counter underwater threats, particularly in coastal and shallow-water environments.
The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft programme aims to improve the Navy’s ability to conduct anti-submarine operations in littoral waters. These vessels are designed to address maritime security challenges in areas where underwater threats require specialised surveillance and response capabilities.
The induction of Mangrol is expected to strengthen the Navy’s operational preparedness and support its efforts to safeguard India’s coastal and maritime interests.
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Mangrol Carries Forward the Legacy of INS Mangrol
The warship has been named after Mangrol, a coastal town and prominent fishing harbour in Gujarat’s Junagadh district.
The name also honours the legacy of the earlier INS Mangrol (M85), a minesweeper that served the Indian Navy until April 7, 2004. By carrying forward this name, the new vessel connects the Indian Navy’s maritime heritage with its ongoing modernisation efforts and the development of advanced indigenous naval platforms.
More Than 80% Indigenous Content Strengthens Defence Self-Reliance
A key feature of Mangrol is its indigenous content, which exceeds 80%. This reflects the growing contribution of Indian shipyards and domestic manufacturers to the country’s naval capabilities.
The vessel highlights the importance of domestic expertise in warship construction and the integration of weapons and sensor systems.
Key highlights of Mangrol:
- Vessel category: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)
- Shipbuilder: Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi
- Indigenous content: More than 80%
- Commissioning date: October 12, 2026
- Commissioning venue: Naval Dockyard, Mumbai
- Primary role: Detecting and countering underwater threats in coastal and shallow-water environments
The vessel’s commissioning underscores the importance of indigenous shipbuilding in strengthening India’s maritime defence preparedness and reducing dependence on foreign sources for naval platforms and associated technologies.
ASW-SWC Programme to Enhance Coastal Maritime Security
The Indian Navy’s ASW-SWC programme aims to strengthen anti-submarine warfare capabilities in shallow waters and coastal regions. These areas are strategically important because of their proximity to ports, naval facilities, commercial shipping routes and other critical maritime infrastructure.
The induction of these specialised vessels is expected to enhance the Navy’s ability to monitor underwater activity and respond to potential maritime threats. The programme also demonstrates the role of indigenous shipbuilding in supporting naval modernisation and developing domestic expertise in advanced engineering, weapons integration and maritime technologies.
With Mangrol joining the fleet, the Indian Navy will continue to expand its capabilities for operations in littoral waters and strengthen its ability to protect national maritime interests.
Mangrol Commissioning Marks Progress in Indigenous Warship Building
The commissioning of Mangrol represents another milestone in India’s efforts to develop advanced naval platforms through domestic shipbuilding.
The vessel brings together indigenous construction capabilities and the integration of modern weapons and sensor systems, reflecting the broader transformation of India’s defence manufacturing sector.
As India continues to prioritise defence self-reliance, projects such as the ASW-SWC programme are expected to play an important role in strengthening domestic industrial capabilities and enhancing maritime security.
About Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is a major Indian shipbuilding and ship-repair company based in Kochi, Kerala. It operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. CSL builds vessels for defence and commercial applications and contributes to India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities through the construction, repair and modernisation of a wide range of vessels.
