INS Malvan Commissioned into Indian Navy, Strengthening Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities with Indigenous Technology

INS Malvan, the Indian Navy’s second Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, has been commissioned with over 80 percent indigenous content. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, the warship enhances underwater surveillance, coastal defence, maritime security, and India’s self-reliant defence shipbuilding capabilities.

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Malvan, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) of the Mahe class, marking a major milestone in India’s growing indigenous defence shipbuilding capabilities. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.

The event was attended by senior naval officers, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, veterans, and distinguished guests.

INS Malvan carries deep historical and cultural significance as it derives its name from the historic coastal town of Malvan in Maharashtra, a region closely associated with the maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The vessel also carries forward the heritage of its predecessor, an inshore Indian Naval Minesweeper that served the nation until 2003.

Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi, INS Malvan is the second of eight ASW-SWCs being constructed indigenously and the sixth of 16 ASW-SWCs scheduled to be commissioned into the Indian Navy. With more than 80 percent indigenous content, the warship reflects the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and highlights India’s expanding capabilities in naval design, equipment development, system integration, and self-reliance in defence shipbuilding.

The vessel is designed for underwater surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and mine warfare missions. Its induction will enhance coastal defence, strengthen littoral security, and improve Maritime Domain Awareness.

The crest of INS Malvan features the ‘Bagh Nakha’ or Tiger’s Claw, symbolising bravery, warfare tactics, agility, and audacity. The emblem reflects the ship’s operational philosophy of rapid response and silent precision attacks. The surrounding waves represent the vast seas around India’s coastline and the Indian Navy’s commitment to maintaining constant vigilance and readiness in protecting national maritime interests and sovereignty.

The ship’s motto, ‘Silent Claws’, represents lethality, stealth, and the capability to strike adversaries swiftly.

Addressing the gathering, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh highlighted the importance of protecting sea lines of communication to ensure uninterrupted maritime trade amid global uncertainties. He praised the Indian Navy’s rapid growth and its commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, particularly noting the warship’s more than 80 percent indigenous content.

He also highlighted the Indian Navy’s approach of involving officers directly in the shipbuilding process and suggested that similar practices could accelerate self-reliance across the wider defence ecosystem. Reaffirming the vision of tri-service integration, he called for seamless coordination among the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force to ensure that the nation operates as a unified force during future conflicts.

The commissioning of INS Malvan significantly strengthens the Indian Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities. The warship is capable of operating effectively with larger surface combatants, submarines, and aviation assets, enabling the Navy to remain Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future Ready while safeguarding India’s maritime interests and national security.

Designed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, the Mahe-class ASW-SWC incorporates advanced indigenous systems developed by Indian defence organisations. The vessel is equipped with advanced underwater sensors developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), lightweight torpedoes developed by DRDO and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), two triple-tube lightweight torpedo launchers developed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), an Anti-Submarine Warfare rocket launcher by L&T, torpedo decoy launchers by Mahindra, and mine-laying capability.

The warship is also fitted with Elbit 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote Controlled Gun systems manufactured by Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli and Elbit 30 mm Naval Stabilised Gun systems manufactured by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).

The ASW-SWC measures 78 metres in length, 11.36 metres in width, and has a draught of approximately 2.7 metres. With a displacement of around 900 tonnes, the vessel can achieve a maximum speed of 25 knots and has an endurance of 1,800 nautical miles.

The ship has been designed to accommodate indigenously developed advanced SONAR systems for underwater surveillance. These include the Abhay hull-mounted sonar and Atlas Elektronik–CFF Fluid Control Low Frequency Variable Depth Sonar (LFVDS). The vessel is also equipped with Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), and advanced combat management systems.

INS Malvan has been designed and constructed according to the Classification Rules of Det Norske Veritas (DNV). The ASW-SWC vessels are among the largest Indian warships powered by a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion combination. All ships under the Mahe and Arnala ASW-SWC classes are expected to be commissioned into the Indian Navy by 2028.

The commissioning of INS Malvan represents a significant advancement in India’s maritime defence preparedness, combining indigenous innovation, advanced warfare systems, and enhanced underwater combat capabilities. The vessel further strengthens the Indian Navy’s ability to safeguard national interests across coastal and maritime domains.