Indian Navy to commission Mahe, first Mahe-class shallow-water ASW craft

Mahe-class ASW craft enters service with Indian Navy, boosting anti-submarine capability and showcasing Aatmanirbhar Bharat in naval construction

PGurus Newsdesk

November 24, 2025

Indian Navy strengthens coastal defence with commissioning of Mahe

First Mahe-class ASW craft set for induction in Mumbai dockyard ceremony

The Indian Navy will commission Mahe, the first vessel in the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft series, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Monday. The ceremony will be hosted by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, and presided over by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, the Navy said in a statement.

The commissioning marks the induction of a new generation of indigenous shallow-water combat vessels designed with over 80% locally sourced components. According to the Navy, the Mahe-class represents a significant step in India’s capability to design, construct and integrate modern warships.

Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the vessel is intended to operate as a specialised anti-submarine warfare platform on the Western Seaboard. Compact and agile, Mahe is equipped for submarine-hunting missions, coastal patrols and the protection of India’s near-shore maritime approaches.

The ship is named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast. Its crest depicts the Urumi, a flexible sword associated with Kalaripayattu, symbolising agility and precision.

Last week, the Navy unveiled the crest, highlighting its cultural and regional significance.

Meanwhile, preparations have begun for Navy Day 2025, which will be observed on December 3. The event will feature an operational demonstration at Shangumugham beach in Thiruvananthapuram, showcasing maritime capabilities and coordinated operations. As part of the Navy’s initiative to hold celebrations beyond major bases, demonstrations in previous years were hosted in Puri (Odisha) and Sindhudurg (Maharashtra).

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