Indian Navy Launches 2 Anti-Submarine Warfare Vessels At Cochin Shipyard

The Indian Navy has launched two anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW SWC) vessels at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).

The new ships, INS Malpe and INS Mulki, are the fourth and fifth in a series of eight being built under the project.

Mrs. Vijaya Srinivas, wife of Vice Admiral V.Srinivas, Southern Naval Command’s Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, presided over the launch ceremony.

The vessels, each 78 meters in length, 11.36 meters in width and with a draft of about 2.7 meters, have a maximum speed of 25 knots and a range of 1,800 nautical miles.

The 4th & 5th ships of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft #ASWSWC project – Malpe & Mulki, under construction at #CochinShipyard Ltd, were launched at #Kochi on #09Sep by Mrs Vijaya Srinivas in presence of VAdm V Srinivas, FOCinC, #SNC. @cslcochin @IN_HQSNC pic.twitter.com/oBBn7AxDVY

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) September 10, 2024

Video Credits: Indian Navy/X

The Mahe-class vessels, designed to replace the older Abhay class ASW Corvettes, will strengthen the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine operations in coastal waters.

They are equipped with advanced technology, including ASW rockets, lightweight torpedoes, mines, and close-in weapon systems, including a 30 mm gun and 12.7 mm stabilized remote-controlled guns.

Vice Admiral Srinivas highlighted the importance of the vessels, stating that the ships reaffirmed their commitment to self-reliance in defense and addressing the evolving geopolitical and security challenges.

The vessels are outfitted with indigenously built sonar systems for effective underwater surveillance.

CSL and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) were awarded the contract to build the eight ASW SWC vessels in 2019.

The launch of the two vessels highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen Indian Naval defense capabilities and support the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Madhu S. Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of CSL, highlighted the shipyard’s capability to meet the Navy’s requirements and its collaboration with various defense organizations to improve shipbuilding and repair.

The Mahe-class ships will also support low-intensity maritime operations and mine-laying tasks.

The launch also coincided with the release of India’s Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.

The document plans to provide comprehensive guidelines for conducting amphibious operations in complex military environments.

Reference: The Hindu, Indian Navy

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Source: Maritime Shipping News