New Delhi/ Mumbai : The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahe, the first of the indigenously designed Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), in a ceremony 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 presided over by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff. Senior naval officers, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Kochi, and distinguished guests were also present.
Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast, the ship reflects the town’s maritime heritage and the harmony of elegance and strength. The ship’s crest features the Urumi, a flexible sword from Kalaripayattu, rising from stylized waves, symbolizing agility, precision, and lethal grace. Its mascot, the Cheetah, represents speed and focus, while the motto “Silent Hunters” reflects stealth, vigilance, and readiness.
Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, INS Mahe is the lead ship of eight vessels in its class. The project drew expertise from BEL, L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence Systems, NPOL, and over 20 MSMEs, highlighting India’s growing naval design, equipment, and system integration ecosystem. With over 80% indigenous content, INS Mahe stands as a testament to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s commitment to homegrown technologies.
INS Mahe significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, particularly in coastal and shallow waters. Equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems, the ship can detect, track, and neutralize sub-surface threats with precision while sustaining prolonged operations in littoral regions.
Speaking at the ceremony, General Upendra Dwivedi stated that INS Mahe’s induction showcases India’s growing ability to design and field complex combat vessels using indigenous technology. He emphasized that the ship will strengthen India’s coastal security, augment near-sea dominance, and safeguard maritime interests. Highlighting the importance of multi-domain synergy, he noted that future conflicts require close coordination across land, sea, and air, citing Operation Sindoor as a model of Army-Navy joint operations in HADR and amphibious missions.
The Mahe-class vessels will form the first line of coastal defense, working alongside larger surface combatants, submarines, and aviation assets to maintain constant vigilance. The commissioning of INS Mahe reaffirms the Indian Navy’s status as Combat Ready, Cohesive, and Aatmanirbhar, contributing to a Viksit Samriddha Bharat.