Context:

On 24 November 2025, the Indian Navy formally commissioned INS Mahe, the first ship of the Mahe‑class Anti‑Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW‑SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

About INS Mahe:

INS Mahe is built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), Kochi, reflecting India’s emphasis on self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defence manufacturing.

·        With substantial indigenous content, the ship strengthens India’s domestic industrial base and showcases the country’s growing prowess in naval ship design and construction.

Naming and Heritage:

The ship is named after the coastal town of Mahe on India’s western coast, tying it to India’s rich maritime heritage.

·        Its crest features the “Urumi”, a traditional flexible sword from Kerala’s martial art Kalarippayattu, rising from stylised waves — symbolising agility, precision, and lethal grace in the maritime domain.

·        The ship’s motto, “Silent Hunters”, embodies the ethos of stealth, vigilance, and submarine detection/neutralisation.

Technical and Operational Features:

Shallow Water Optimisation: The ship is designed for littoral operations, with swift manoeuvrability, low acoustic signature, and reduced radar cross-section.

Primary Roles:

·        Anti-submarine warfare in near-coastal waters

·        Coastal patrol and maritime surveillance

·        Protection of offshore assets and approach zones

Stealth Features: The design incorporates stealth principles typical of ASW-SWC platforms, including low noise, low RCS, and enhanced agility.

Strategic Significance:

• • • Boost to Coastal Defence: INS Mahe enhances India’s submarine-hunting capabilities in shallow and littoral waters, complementing larger surface combatants.
    • Force Modernisation: As the first ship of the Mahe-class series, it represents a new generation of agile, stealthy, and versatile ASW platforms.
    • Indigenous Capability: Its construction underscores India’s growing self-reliance in naval shipbuilding, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
    • Symbol of Maritime Heritage: By linking the ship to Mahe town and the Urumi crest, INS Mahe reflects India’s naval traditions and operational ethos.

Conclusion:

The commissioning of INS Mahe marks a significant milestone for the Indian Navy — a blend of strategic foresight, indigenous innovation, and coastal defence readiness. As a “silent hunter” built for shallow‑water anti‑submarine operations, Mahe enhances India’s ability to secure its littoral zones, while reinforcing its commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing. In an era of evolving maritime threats, INS Mahe represents both a tactical asset and a symbol of India’s growing naval maturity.