A New Warrior for the Indian Navy - ‘Mahe’ to Dominate the Indian Ocean

Taking its indigenous shipbuilding capability to a new height, the Indian Navy is set to commission INS Mahe on 24 November 2025. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Mahe is the first vessel of the state-of-the-art Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW–SWC) class. Compact in size yet powerful in capability, Mahe rivals larger warships with its speed, agility and precision strike power. Designed specifically for coastal security, the platform will play a crucial role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests. With its arrival, the Navy’s ability to detect and neutralise sub-surface threats will increase manifold.

Precision, Power and Stealth- Mahe: The Silent Hunter of the Indian Ocean. 

Mahe’s primary mission is to hunt down enemy submarines hiding in shallow waters. Its modern sensors, advanced anti-submarine weapons and specialised littoral-warfare design make it a true Littoral Dominator.
* Its stealth features render it nearly invisible to hostile detection systems.
* High speed and superior manoeuvrability enable rapid response to emerging threats.
* Continuous coastal patrol capability ensures the safety of India’s vital maritime routes.

INS Mahe brings a significant boost to India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, making coastal defence stronger and more impenetrable.

Showcasing India’s Indigenous Strength- A New Era in Shipbuilding

Over 80% of equipment, systems and design integrated into the Mahe-class vessels are indigenous. An impressive milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance. The combined expertise of Indian industries, engineers and naval specialists has produced a platform that stands as a symbol of Indian technological excellence.

This class of ships:
* Reinforces the foundation of India’s maritime defence architecture
* Positions Indian shipbuilding on the global stage
* Opens the path for a new generation of high-technology combat vessels

The induction of INS Mahe will be a game-changer for India’s shipbuilding ecosystem.

A Blend of Heritage and Modern Combat Power

Named after the historic coastal town Mahe, the ship reflects India’s rich maritime legacy. Its crest features the legendary ‘Urumi’, the flexible sword from the ancient martial art Kalaripayattu—symbolising agility, precision and lethal elegance. 

INS Mahe represents a perfect fusion of traditional Indian valour and cutting-edge naval engineering. With its commissioning, the Indian Navy gains a new generation of fast, agile and fully indigenous shallow-water combatants, ready to play a decisive role in future maritime battlefields.