Malvan: Second Mahe-Class Anti-Submarine Shallow Water Craft
Why in the news
The Navy prepared to bring a new coastal submarine-hunter into service in July 2026. It is the second craft of its indigenous Mahe class.
Key facts
- Vessel: Malvan, second of the Mahe class, a shallow-water craft built for anti-submarine warfare (ASW-SWC).
- Builder: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
- Local content: over 80% indigenous.
- Role: find, follow and destroy enemy submarines in shallow coastal waters.
Design and equipment
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Optimised for | Shallow-water operations |
| Build | Lightweight and highly manoeuvrable |
| Sonar | Hull-mounted sonar and towed array sonar |
| Weapons | Lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine rocket launchers |
| Other | Mine-laying capability |
Objectives
- Strengthen coastal security.
- Shield harbours, ports, island territories and shore installations against threats from below the surface.
Exam angle
- Class name: Mahe class.
- Builder: Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi.
- ASW-SWC expands to a shallow water craft for anti-submarine warfare.