INS Mahe: India’s first indigenous anti-submarine warship delivered to Navy

Kochi(The Uttam Hindu):  In another historic step towards India's self-reliance, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has handed over the first indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) 'Mahe' to the Indian Navy. The warship is the first in a series of eight ships designed for anti-submarine operations in shallow waters, based on a completely indigenous design and construction.

At a ceremony held in Kochi on Wednesday, CSL Director (Operations) Dr. S. Harikrishnan and 'Mahe's Commanding Officer (Designate) Commander Amit Chandra Choubey signed the delivery documents. Several senior Navy and shipyard officials, including Rear Admiral R. Adishrinivasan, Chief Staff Officer (Technical), Western Naval Command, were present on the occasion.

The warship, known as 'INS Mahe', is 78 metres long and is specially designed for anti-submarine operations, mine-laying and search and rescue operations in coastal or shallow waters.

A CSL spokesperson said it is the Navy's largest warship equipped with diesel engines and a waterjet propulsion system. This technology provides it with high speed, unmatched agility and operational flexibility even in shallow waters.

To effectively hunt submarines, 'Mahe' is equipped with modern sensors, advanced communication systems, and low sound signature technologies. This will significantly strengthen the Navy's coastal security and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

This warship demonstrates the maturity of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" campaign. Over 90 percent of its material is indigenous. Most of the ship's machinery, sensors, and onboard systems are sourced from Indian manufacturers.

"The delivery of Mahe marks another milestone in the Indian Navy's indigenisation efforts," a CSL spokesperson said. The remaining seven ships of the series are in various stages of construction at CSL and will be delivered to the Navy in a phased manner over the coming years.