In a major boost to the country’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, the Indian Navy commissioned the first home-designed and home-built submarine-hunter, the INS Mahe, on Monday.
INS Mahe, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was inducted into the Western Naval Command (WNC) during a ceremony held at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
According to the Navy, the ship’s motto, “Silent Hunters,” embodies stealth, vigilance and unwavering resolve—qualities that define the ethos of anti-submarine warfare.
Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, who was present on the occasion, said the commissioning ceremony not only marks the induction of a potent new platform into the maritime order of battle, but also reaffirms the nation’s increasing capability to design, construct and field complex combat platforms using indigenous technology.
General Dwivedi added that the commissioning of INS Mahe will significantly augment the Navy’s ability to maintain near-sea dominance, strengthen the coastal security grid and safeguard the country’s maritime interests. He also described the successful delivery of the vessel by Cochin Shipyard Limited as a fine example of excellence and professionalism.
The commissioning adds significant punch to the Navy’s ASW capabilities, particularly in countering threats in littoral waters. The ship’s combat suite integrates multiple systems into a compact yet potent network, specially designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters.
The vessel is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors and communication systems that enable it to detect, track and neutralise sub-surface threats with precision. It is capable of sustaining prolonged operations in shallow waters and features technologically advanced machinery and control systems.
According to the Navy, the induction of INS Mahe reflects unprecedented synergy, mutual trust and seamless jointness that are shaping the armed forces, symbolising how the services stand together, think together and move together toward a future-ready, fully integrated force.
INS Mahe is the lead ship in a class of eight vessels designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited. The project reinforces India’s expanding ecosystem of naval design, equipment and systems integration. With over 80 per cent indigenous content, the ship highlights the Navy’s consistent efforts to promote indigenisation through homegrown solutions and innovative technologies.
Interestingly, the ship is named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast. The town’s maritime heritage and tranquil estuary reflect the ship’s blend of elegance and strength.
The Mahe-class vessels will form the first line of coastal defence, integrating with larger surface combatants, submarines and aviation assets to maintain constant vigilance over India’s maritime areas of operation.
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, senior naval officers and representatives from Cochin Shipyard Ltd. were present at the ceremony.