India commissioned the second Scorpène-class submarine INS Malvan.

The Indian Navy commissioned the domestically designed and produced second Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare shallow water vessel (ASW-SWC) INS Malvan in Karwar on July 22.

At a Glance

• Vessel: INS Malvan, 2nd Mahe-class ASW-SWC (anti-submarine warfare shallow water vessel).
• Ceremony: July 22, Karwar; presided over by Air Force Chief Marshal AP Singh.
• Manufacturer: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
• Indigenization: over 80% indigenous content (Aatmanirbhar Bharat).
• Mission: underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare, low-intensity maritime operations.

Details of the Development

INS Malvan is the second of the planned eight Mahe-class vessels and the sixth of the 16 ASW-SWCs that will join the Indian Navy. The commissioning ceremony was held under the leadership of Air Force Chief Marshal AP Singh, with the participation of Western Naval Command Chief Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan.

The vessel, built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi, has over 80% indigenous content. This ratio aligns with India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) vision. The ship’s emblem features the ‘Bagh Nakha’ (Tiger Claw) motif, symbolizing courage, agility, and stealth.

System Context

Shallow water anti-submarine warfare vessels are designed to detect and track enemy submarines in coastal and shallow waters. These areas are critical zones where the maneuverability of large frigates and destroyers is limited, while conventional submarines can hide.

INS Malvan is capable of undertaking underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare operations, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine warfare missions. It is equipped with an advanced Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for agility in shallow waters.

Regional and Strategic Significance

India is strengthening its coastal and shallow water defenses against the increasing presence of the Chinese navy in the Indian Ocean. The ASW-SWC vessels produced in domestic shipyards create a layered anti-submarine defense network along the coastline. This momentum in India’s domestic maritime platform production bears similarities to Turkey’s localization strategy with its MİLGEM and ADA-class vessels; both countries position the transition from foreign procurement to domestic production as a matter of sovereignty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ASW-SWC?

Anti-submarine warfare shallow water vessel; a class of ships designed for submarine hunting in shallow waters close to the shore.

Who built INS Malvan?

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi; the vessel has over 80% indigenous content.

References

• Naval News — INS Malvan commissioned — Commissioning, manufacturer and technical details; July 22, 2026.
• Naval Today — second Mahe-class ASW-SWC — Class and program information.