Meet INS Mahe: Indian Navy's newest anti-submarine warfare vessel
What's the story
The Indian Navy has welcomed INS Mahe, the first of its kind in the Mahe-class of anti-submarine warfare shallow-water craft (ASW-SWC). The induction of this state-of-the-art vessel is a major boost to India's coastal defense and submarine-hunting capabilities. The Navy has described this development as the arrival of a "new generation" of home-grown littoral combatants.
Indigenous design
A testament to India's naval prowess
INS Mahe is a shining example of India's capabilities in advanced naval shipbuilding, system integration, and defense self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The vessel has been built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) with more than 80% indigenous content. It is designed for speed, stealth, and precision in operations close to the coastline.
Advanced features
Capabilities and specifications
INS Mahe is designed for high-tempo ASW missions, coastal surveillance, mine-laying, and underwater reconnaissance in areas where larger warships cannot operate effectively. The ship is 78 meters long and weighs about 1,100 tons. It can reach a top speed of 25 knots with an operational range of 1,800 nautical miles and endurance of up to two weeks.
Combat readiness
INS Mahe's advanced systems and armament
INS Mahe is equipped with advanced indigenous systems like an integrated combat management suite, diesel propulsion, and an advanced power-management system. The ship also features medium-frequency hull-mounted sonar and multi-function surveillance radar. Its armament package includes lightweight acoustic-homing torpedoes, multi-role rocket launchers, a remotely controlled 30mm gun for self-defense (optional), and mine-laying rails.
Design inspiration
A symbol of agility and effectiveness
INS Mahe is named after a coastal town on the Malabar coast. Its crest features the Urumi, a flexible sword used in Kalarippayattu martial arts, symbolizing agility, finesse, and lethal effectiveness. These are traits embodied by the vessel itself. The ship is the first of eight ordered from CSL with the rest expected to join service by 2027.