New Delhi: The Indian Navy on Wednesday commissioned INS Malvan, the second Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), marking another major milestone in India’s drive towards maritime self-reliance and enhanced coastal defence. The commissioning ceremony was held at the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka.
Designed and built in India under the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, INS Malvan has more than 80% indigenous content and has been constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited. The warship is part of a series of advanced shallow-water anti-submarine vessels intended to strengthen India’s capability to detect, track and neutralise hostile submarines operating close to the country’s coastline.
⚓️ INS Malvan, India’s new submarine hunter, joins service to strengthen coastal defence
Key capabilities: 👇
🔸Advanced sonar systems
🔸 Lightweight torpedoes
🔸Anti-submarine rockets
🔸Mine-laying capability
🔸Surveillance and rescue operations pic.twitter.com/n7EXzo1wT6— Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) July 22, 2026
INS Malvan is equipped with advanced sonar systems, anti-submarine weapons and modern surveillance equipment, enabling it to undertake underwater surveillance, search-and-rescue operations, low-intensity maritime missions and coordinated naval operations. The vessel’s shallow draft allows it to operate effectively in coastal waters, estuaries and harbours where larger warships have limited access.
The induction of INS Malvan comes at a time when India is steadily expanding its maritime capabilities amid increasing submarine activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Defence analysts view the addition of the vessel as an important step in strengthening India’s layered coastal defence architecture against emerging underwater threats.
#NewsPunch | India strengthens its maritime shield. 🇮🇳
INS Malvan, the Navy’s indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, has been commissioned. Built with over 80% indigenous content, it is equipped with advanced sonar, lightweight torpedoes, ASW rocket… pic.twitter.com/FHvzTQOZsi
— DD News (@DDNewslive) July 22, 2026
The Mahe-class ASW-SWC programme forms a key component of the Indian Navy’s long-term force modernisation plan, with multiple vessels being inducted in phases to enhance coastal security and anti-submarine warfare preparedness. Along with its sister ships, INS Malvan will contribute significantly to safeguarding India’s extensive coastline, strategic ports and critical sea lanes.
Key Features of INS Malvan
- Second vessel of the Mahe-class ASW Shallow Water Craft.
- Commissioned at Karwar Naval Base on July 22.
- Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited with over 80% indigenous content.
- Equipped with advanced sonar, anti-submarine weapons and surveillance systems.
- Designed for coastal anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol, search-and-rescue and low-intensity operations.
- Strengthens India’s maritime security and underwater defence in the Indian Ocean Region.
