INS Machilipatnam: Mahe-Class ASW-SWC Warship

Why in News?

On 29 July 2026, the Indian Navy launched INS Machilipatnam (BY 529), the seventh of the eight Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.

Background:

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on 30 April 2019 for the construction of eight Mahe-class ASW-SWC vessels, with deliveries scheduled between August 2025 and June 2028. These ships are designed to replace the ageing Abhay-class ASW corvettes and enhance the Indian Navy's operational capability in shallow and littoral waters.

Key Features of Machilipatnam:

• • • Role: Designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), underwater surveillance, mine warfare, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.
    • Dimensions: Approximately 78 metres long with a displacement of 900–1,100 tonnes.
    • Speed & Propulsion: Powered by diesel engines coupled with water-jet propulsion, enabling speeds of around 25 knots and superior manoeuvrability in shallow coastal waters.
    • Advanced Sensors: Equipped with hull-mounted sonar and low-frequency variable-depth sonar for underwater detection and surveillance.
    • Armament: Features lightweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, a 30 mm naval gun, and mine-laying capability.
    • Indigenous Content: More than 80% indigenous, with major contributions from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and Indian MSMEs.

About the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) Programme:

The ASW-SWC Programme involves the development of a new class of indigenous shallow water warships for the Indian Navy. These vessels are being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).

• • • A total of 16 warships are planned under the programme.
    • 8 Mahe-class warships will be constructed by CSL, while 8 Arnala-class warships will be built by GRSE.
    • These vessels are specifically designed for operations in coastal (littoral) waters, where the maneuverability of larger warships is limited.

Strategic Significance:

• • • The new class will significantly strengthen India's coastal security, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.
    • It will enhance the Indian Navy's ability to monitor and effectively counter the increasing submarine activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
    • The ships will provide improved protection for ports, sea lines of communication (SLOCs), and offshore assets.
    • They will replace aging vessels with modern, high-speed, and technologically advanced warships.
    • The project also strengthens India's defence manufacturing ecosystem and supports the objectives of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

Way Forward:

• • • Ensure the induction of all 16 ASW-SWC vessels into the Indian Navy within the stipulated timeline.
    • Integrate indigenously developed advanced sonar systems, weapon systems, and other modern equipment.
    • Continue the modernization of the coastal surveillance network.
    • Expand indigenous naval shipbuilding capabilities to reinforce India's strategic self-reliance.
    • Support India's long-term vision of becoming a leading maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region.