INS Mahe Commissioned: India’s New ‘Silent Hunter’ Joins the Fleet
The Indian Navy has commissioned the INS Mahe, the lead vessel of the new Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing and coastal security capabilities.
The commissioning ceremony took place on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. Notably, the event was presided over by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, signifying a push for greater synergy among the armed forces.
INS Mahe :A Symbol of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’
INS Mahe is a powerful testament to India’s self-reliance in defence:
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Indigenous Content: The vessel boasts over 80% indigenous content, designed and built completely within India.
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Builder: It was constructed by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
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Project Context: INS Mahe is the first of eight Mahe-class vessels ordered from CSL, which are intended to replace the Navy’s ageing Abhay-class corvettes. The remaining vessels are expected to join the fleet by 2027.
INS Mahe :Role and Key Features
The Mahe-class is specifically designed for high-tempo operations in littoral waters (close to the coast) where larger warships have difficulty manoeuvring, making them crucial for the coastal security grid.
| Feature | Details |
| Primary Role | Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) in coastal and shallow waters, coastal patrol, mine-laying, and underwater surveillance. |
| Motto | “Silent Hunters”—reflecting its stealth and detection capabilities. |
| Length/Displacement | Approximately 78 meters / Around 1,100 tonnes. |
| Propulsion | Diesel-powered with water-jet propulsion for high manoeuvrability and low acoustic signature. |
| Speed/Range | Top speed of 25 knots (about $46 \text{ km/h}$) / Range of 1,800 nautical miles. |
| Armament | Equipped with advanced systems like: * Lightweight Torpedo Launchers * Multi-functional Anti-Submarine Rocket Launchers * Mine-laying Rails * Optional 30mm Remote Controlled Gun |
| Sensors | Features advanced indigenous systems, including a Medium-Frequency Hull-Mounted Sonar and a multi-function surveillance radar. |
| Shallow Draft | Draft of under 3 metres for effective near-shore operations. |
Naming and Symbolism
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Name: The ship is named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast, part of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
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Crest: The ship’s crest features the Urumi—a flexible, whip-like sword from the martial art of Kalaripayattu—symbolising agility, precision, and lethal grace.
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Mascot: The ship’s mascot is the Cheetah, representing speed and focus.
The induction of INS Mahe significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s capacity to ensure near-seas dominance and strengthen the country’s first line of coastal defence against sub-surface threats.
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