India’s coastal maritime security is set to receive a major boost as the Indian Navy commissions INS Malvan, the second Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), on July 22, 2026, in Kochi. The ceremony, to be led by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, represents another step in strengthening the Navy’s specialised fleet for littoral warfare operations.
Unlike conventional destroyers and frigates designed for blue-water missions, the Mahe-class has been developed specifically for anti-submarine warfare in shallow coastal waters, where complex underwater acoustics make submarine detection particularly challenging. INS Malvan features an indigenous sonar suite tailored for these environments and is armed with lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine rocket launchers to detect and engage underwater threats with high accuracy.
Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited with over 80% indigenous content, the vessel highlights India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme. The extensive use of domestic technology also ensures greater control over maintenance, upgrades, and long-term operational support.
Following the induction of INS Mahe in November 2025, the addition of INS Malvan further expands the Navy’s dedicated shallow-water anti-submarine fleet. As underwater activity in the Indian Ocean continues to increase, these highly capable vessels will play a critical role in safeguarding coastal waters, strategic maritime infrastructure, and sea lanes. The Mahe-class underscores the Indian Navy’s shift toward a layered maritime defence strategy that combines specialised coastal warfare platforms with long-range naval assets to enhance overall maritime security.
