On September 9, 2024, the Indian Navy marked a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the launch of Malpe and Mulki, the fourth and fifth ships of the Eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) project. Built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) in Kochi, the ships were launched in a traditional maritime ceremony by Mrs. Vijaya Srinivas, with Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, also in attendance.
The Mahe class ASW Shallow Water Crafts, named after strategically important ports along India’s coastline, aim to uphold the rich legacy of their namesake minesweepers. These vessels are critical in bolstering India’s naval defense and ensuring maritime security in coastal waters. The project to build eight of these crafts was green-lit by the Ministry of Defence in 2019, further boosting India's indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
Fitted with cutting-edge, locally developed underwater sensors, the Mahe class ships are designed to carry out anti-submarine warfare, mine-laying, and Low-Intensity Maritime Operations. With speeds of up to 25 knots and an endurance of 1800 nautical miles, these vessels promise to significantly enhance India’s coastal defense.
The simultaneous launch of these vessels underlines the country’s progress toward becoming self-reliant in defense production, a key aspect of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative. With over 80% indigenous content, these ships not only represent a leap forward in technology but also in boosting employment and manufacturing capabilities across India.
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