In a major milestone for India’s maritime security and defence manufacturing capabilities, the Indian Navy officially commissioned INS Mahe on Monday. The vessel is the first in a new class of eight advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, marking a significant step toward strengthening India’s coastal defence and enhancing self-reliance under the Make in India initiative.
INS Mahe stands out as a symbol of indigenous engineering excellence, with over 80 percent of its components manufactured in India. The ship is equipped with modern sonar systems, lightweight torpedoes, rocket launchers, and high-precision guns designed to detect, hunt, and neutralize enemy submarines operating in shallow coastal waters. Its advanced combat tools and compact structure make it ideal for rapid response missions and coastal surveillance.
The newly commissioned ship has been named after the historic coastal town Mahe, located along the Malabar Coast. Reflecting its cultural roots, the ship’s crest features the Urumi, the iconic flexible sword used in the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu. This symbolizes agility, strength, and precision qualities reflected in the vessel’s design and operational purpose.
INS Mahe replaces its predecessor after 24 years of dedicated service and represents a generational upgrade in naval warfare technology. Its inclusion in the fleet showcases India’s evolving defence capabilities and readiness to counter modern underwater threats, especially as geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region continue to rise.
Naval officials described the commissioning as a strategic boost to India’s maritime defence posture. With increasing submarine activity in the Indian Ocean, the deployment of specialized anti-submarine warfare ships like INS Mahe is seen as critical for safeguarding trade routes, maritime borders, and national security interests.
The commissioning also reflects steady progress in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. With domestic shipyards taking the lead in building technologically sophisticated vessels, the nation continues moving toward Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant defence production). Experts believe this milestone will encourage further defence exports and strengthen India’s position as an emerging naval force.
As INS Mahe joins the Indian Navy fleet, its addition reinforces India’s commitment to enhancing maritime readiness, protecting national waters, and advancing innovation in naval warfare technology. The remaining seven ships in this class are expected to follow in the coming years, further expanding India’s strategic and operational capabilities.
With this development, India moves one step closer to securing its maritime frontiers while boosting indigenous defence production and technological confidence on the global stage.
