New Delhi, Nov 24 (NationPress) The Indian Navy has officially commissioned INS Mahe, marking the introduction of the first indigenously-designed and constructed Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC). The ceremony took place at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Monday.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, hosted the event, which was attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, senior naval officials, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Kochi, and esteemed guests.

This significant milestone demonstrates an exceptional level of synergy, mutual trust, and seamless collaboration shaping the modern Indian Armed Forces—an emblem of how our services unite, strategize, and progress towards becoming a fully integrated, future-ready force.

INS Mahe draws its name from the historic coastal town of Mahe located on the Malabar Coast. The town’s rich maritime heritage and serene estuary symbolize the ship’s blend of elegance and strength.

The ship’s crest showcases the Urumi, the flexible sword utilized in Kalarippayattu, emerging from stylized blue waves—a representation of agility, precision, and lethal grace. The mascot, the Cheetah, signifies speed and focus, and the motto "Silent Hunters" embodies the vessel’s stealth, vigilance, and unwavering readiness.

Constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi, INS Mahe is the lead ship among eight vessels within her class.

Collaborating with BEL, L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence Systems, NPOL, and over 20 MSMEs, this project underscores India’s growing ecosystem of naval design, equipment, and system integration.

INS Mahe stands as a beacon of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. With more than 80 percent indigenous content, the ship highlights the Indian Navy’s ongoing commitment to promoting indigenization through local solutions and innovative technology.

The commissioning of INS Mahe significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s ASW capabilities, especially in addressing threats in coastal areas. The ship’s combat suite integrates multiple systems into a compact yet powerful network.

Designed specifically for anti-submarine missions in shallow and coastal waters, she is equipped with advanced weaponry, sensors, and communication systems that enable precise detection, tracking, and neutralization of sub-surface threats. The ship can sustain extended operations in shallow waters and features cutting-edge machinery and control systems.

The Mahe-class vessels will serve as the frontline of coastal defense, seamlessly integrating with larger surface combatants, submarines, and aviation assets to ensure continuous vigilance over India’s maritime operational areas.

INS Mahe reinforces the Indian Navy’s status as Combat Ready, Cohesive, and Aatmanirbhar, safeguarding the seas for a Viksit Samriddha Bharat.