The Indian Navy will commission Mahe, the first of eight indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts, on November 24, 2025, at Mumbai Naval Dockyard. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited with over 80% indigenous content, Mahe significantly enhances India's maritime security and underlines the Aatmanirbhar Bharat naval modernization drive.
The Indian Navy is set to commission Mahe, the lead vessel of the new Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on November 24, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous shipbuilding journey and fortifies its capabilities to counter underwater threats in coastal and shallow waters.
Indigenous Maritime Excellence
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Mahe is designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, representing more than 80% indigenous content, underscoring India's strides in self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
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This commissioning symbolizes a major leap in the nation’s naval technology and defense manufacturing prowess, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and enhancing strategic autonomy.
Tactical and Operational Capabilities
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The vessel is compact, agile, and equipped with advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare technology including sonar systems, torpedoes, and multi-functional anti-submarine rockets, tailored for effective operations in littoral or shallow waters.
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Mahe’s design facilitates versatile missions such as maritime patrol, coastal surveillance, search and rescue operations, and mine countermeasures.
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Its stealth features and integrated indigenous sensors and command-control systems enable precise detection and neutralization of hostile submarines that operate close to the coastline.
Strategic Importance for Maritime Security
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Mahe-class crafts play a critical role in securing India’s coastal waters by complementing larger naval vessels and aircraft in a layered maritime defense strategy.
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The induction of Mahe enhances the Navy’s preparedness to safeguard vital maritime economic interests, including shipping lanes and underwater approaches vital to national security.
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The commissioning is expected to be followed by the progressive induction of seven more ASW-SWCs, further strengthening India’s coastal surveillance and rapid response capabilities.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Future Outlook
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The Mahe-class initiative marks a flagship achievement in India's quest for naval modernization, promoting indigenous technology development and integration.
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As the first of its kind, Mahe heralds a new era of modern, high-tech, home-grown naval platforms capable of adapting to emerging maritime security challenges.
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This event reflects the Indian Navy's commitment to expanding its operational reach and maintaining regional maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region.
The commissioning ceremony will not only celebrate technological excellence but also emphasize India’s growing status as a regional leader in naval defense technologies.
Sources: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Jagran Josh, Newsonair, KNN India, Defence.in, Marine Insight, DD News
