Cochin Shipyard Delivers INS ASW-SWC Mangrol to Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has received Mangrol, the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi. Delivered on August 21, the vessel strengthens the Navy's ability to detect and tackle underwater threats along India's coastline.

ASW Shallow Water Craft 'Mangrol'

1. Mangrol carries more than 80% indigenous content, making it a strong example of India's growing domestic defence manufacturing capability under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. 
2. The vessel is built for underwater surveillance and anti-submarine operations, and can also handle low-intensity maritime operations and mine warfare in shallow coastal waters. 
3. It runs on waterjet propulsion and comes equipped with advanced torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, radars, and sonar systems, giving it the ability to detect, track, and engage submarines effectively.
4. The ship takes its name from Mangrol, a coastal town and minor port in Gujarat's Junagadh district known for its role in the marine fishing industry. 
5. This name also honours the legacy of the earlier INS Mangrol, a minesweeper that served the Navy until 2004.

Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)

Mangrol is part of an eight-ship Mahe-class programme being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, aimed at creating compact, highly manoeuvrable vessels designed specifically for anti-submarine operations in shallow coastal areas. Alongside this, the Navy is also running a parallel eight-ship programme under the GRSE-led Arnala-class, with Larsen & Toubro involved in construction as well. These smaller, specialised vessels fill a gap that larger warships often can't, since bigger ships face operational limitations in shallow coastal waters.

Specifications and Propulsion System

1. Each Mahe-class vessel measures about 78 metres in length, with a displacement ranging between 896 and 1,100 tonnes. 
2. They can reach speeds of up to 25 knots and have a range of around 1,800 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots, allowing them to stay at sea for up to 14 days at a stretch.
3. A standout feature of this class is its waterjet propulsion system, powered by three marine diesel engines connected to waterjets.
4. Unlike traditional propellers, waterjets pull in water and push it out at high speed, giving these vessels sharp manoeuvrability and quick acceleration, even in shallow waters where conventional propulsion systems would struggle.