Commissioned INS Mahe: India's First Mahe-class ASW Shallow Water Craft Joins Western Naval Command
The first vessel of the indigenous series of Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, INS Mahe, was commissioned in an official induction ceremony by the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, on 24 November 2025.
The event was hosted by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, and was graced by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff. Senior naval leaders, officials from Cochin Shipyard Limited, and distinguished guests were also present.
A Name Rooted in Maritime Legacy
INS Mahe is named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast. The identity of the ship is inspired by the region's seafaring tradition and peaceful estuaries.
Her crest carries the Urumi, Kalaripayattu's fabled flexible sword, rising from stylised waves, symbolising razor-sharp reflexes combined with fluid strength. The ship's mascot is a Cheetah. It personifies her agility and unflinching focus. The motto "Silent Hunters" captures her stealth-driven, mission-ready spirit.
A Strong Step Towards Aatmanirbharta
INS Mahe, built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, is the first of eight vessels planned under this class. The project brings together the expertise of BEL, L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence Systems, NPOL, and over 20 MSMEs, showcasing India’s expanding indigenous naval ecosystem.
INS Mahe is a prime example of the Navy's efforts toward self-reliance and advanced homegrown defence manufacturing, with more than 80% indigenous components.
Enhanced Coastal Security & ASW Strength
INS Mahe considerably enhances the capability of the Navy to address sub-surface threats in shallow waters and littorals.
Equipped with modern sonar systems, advanced communication suites, and precision-driven anti-submarine weapons, the ship is engineered for sustained operations in littoral zones.
Its compact, powerful combat systems blend together to provide the capability for detecting, monitoring, and neutralizing underwater threats with very high accuracy.
Leadership Speaks
During his address, General Upendra Dwivedi clarified that INS Mahe’s induction is symbolic of India's growing capability to design and deploy complex warships using indigenous technology. He said the ship further enhances near-coastal dominance, strengthens maritime security, and supports India’s strategic interests in the littoral region. He also highlighted the greater relevance of joint operations across land, air, and sea domains, referring to Operation Sindoor as an excellent example of inter-service coordination. Strengthening India's First Line of Defence. The Mahe-class fleet will form an important layer in the coastal defence architecture for India. These vessels shall work in coordination with larger ships, submarines, and naval aircraft for seamless vigil along vital maritime zones. INS Mahe epitomizes a Combat Ready, Cohesive, and Aatmanirbhar Indian Navy - fully committed to protecting the nation’s maritime interests and supporting the vision of a Viksit, Samriddha Bharat.
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