India commissions the INS Malvan, the second Mahe-class anti-submarine vessel.

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

At a glance

• Vessel: INS Malvan, 2nd ASW-SWC of the Mahe class (shallow water anti-submarine warfare).
• Ceremony: July 22 in Karwar, presided over by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
• Builder: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
• Local content: over 80% (Aatmanirbhar Bharat).
• Missions: underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare, low-intensity maritime operations.

Announcement details

The INS Malvan is the second of eight Mahe class vessels and the sixth of the 16 ASW-SWC planned for the Indian Navy. The ceremony was presided over by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, head of the Western Naval Command.

Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi, the vessel has over 80% local content, in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Its crest features the ‘Tiger’s Claw’, a symbol of bravery, agility, and stealth.

System context

Shallow water anti-submarine vessels are designed to detect and track enemy submarines in coastal and shallow waters, areas where large frigates and destroyers have limited mobility but conventional submarines can hide.

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

Regional and strategic significance

India is strengthening its coastal defense in response to the increasing presence of the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean. Serially built at domestic shipyards, the ASW-SWC form a layered anti-submarine network along the coast. India’s push for local naval production parallels Turkey’s localization strategy with the MILGEM and ADA class vessels.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ASW-SWC?

A shallow water anti-submarine warfare vessel designed to hunt submarines in coastal waters.

Who built the INS Malvan?

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

Sources

• Naval News — Commissioning, builder, and details; July 22, 2026.
• Naval Today — Class and program information.