The Indian Navy on Sunday commissioned INS Mahe, the first ship in the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft series, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The ceremony was hosted by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, while Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi presided over the event.

INS Mahe marks the arrival of a new family of Indian-made shallow-water warships, small, fast, and built for coastal missions.

Designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the ship reflects India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. With more than 80% indigenous content, Mahe showcases major progress in Indian warship engineering.

Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe, the ship’s crest features the Urumi, a flexible sword from Kalaripayattu, symbolising speed, focus, and sharp precision.

The Navy says Mahe will act as a “Silent Hunter” on the Western coast, moving quickly, tracking threats quietly, and protecting India’s critical sea routes.

Mahe is built for many missions, making it extremely useful for coastal defence:

  • Hunting submarines

  • Guarding India’s coastline

  • Underwater surveillance

  • Search-and-rescue missions

  • Laying sea mines

  • Operating easily in shallow waters

Design and Key Specifications

  • Type: Anti-submarine shallow-water warship

  • Displacement: Around 896–1100 tonnes

  • Length: 78 metres

  • Beam: 11.26 metres

  • Draft: 2.7 metres (ideal for shallow waters)

  • Speed: Up to 25 knots (around 46 km/h)

  • Range: 1,800 nautical miles at 14 knots

  • Propulsion: Water-jet system for speed and sharp movement

  • Boats onboard: Two RHIBs for quick rescue or security tasks

  • Crew: 57 personnel (7 officers, 50 sailors)

The water-jet propulsion gives the ship excellent control, allowing it to turn quickly and accelerate fast—important for coastal combat.

Advanced double-sonar system

INS Mahe carries two modern sonar systems that help the ship “see” underwater without making noise.

1. DRDO Abhay Hull-Mounted Sonar

  • Built by DRDO

  • Fitted to the ship’s lower hull

  • Monitors underwater activity around the ship

  • Detects submarines, mines, and hidden objects

  • Works well in shallow waters—important for this class

2. Low-frequency variable-depth sonar (LFVDS)

  • Can be lowered deep into the sea using a cable

  • Detects submarines far away

  • Works even in rough or uneven underwater conditions

These systems allow 24×7 underwater monitoring, helping the Navy quickly identify threats.

Weapons onboard INS Mahe

INS Mahe is loaded with weapons designed to destroy submarines and defend against sea threats.

1. 12-barrel anti-submarine rocket launcher

2. 30 mm naval gun

  • Fast-firing gun

  • Used to stop small boats and defend against air threats

3. Twin triple torpedo launchers

  • Total of six torpedoes

  • Uses advanced lightweight torpedoes that track submarines accurately

4. Anti-submarine mines

  • Can place sea mines along key routes

  • Mines explode when enemy submarines come close

5. 12.7 mm remote-controlled guns

  • Two RCGs for coastal security and stopping fast attack crafts

  • Stabilised for accurate firing even when the ship is moving

INS Mahe adds a strong new capability to India’s coastal defence network. Built with advanced sonar, powerful weapons, and high manoeuvrability, the ship is designed to protect India’s shores and hunt threats hiding underwater.

Its entry into service also highlights India’s growing strength in indigenous warship building.

As more Mahe-class ships join the fleet in the coming years, they will play a major role in guarding India’s maritime borders and making coastal areas safer.