Indian Navy Launch of Machilipatnam: 7th Mahe-Class Anti-Submarine Warfare SWC

Machilipatnam (BY 529), the seventh of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Indian Navy, was launched on 29 July 2026. Mrs Goolrukh Anand performed the launch in the presence of Vice Admiral Atul Anand, Additional Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, at Cochin Shipyard.

Launch of Machilipatnam Event Details

1. Ship Launched: Machilipatnam (BY 529), seventh vessel of the Mahe-class ASW SWC series.
2. Launched By: Mrs Goolrukh Anand.
3. Guest of Honour: Vice Admiral Atul Anand, Additional Secretary, Department of Military Affairs.
4. Builder: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), for the Indian Navy.
5. Date & Attendees: 29 July 2026, with senior officials from the Indian Navy, CSL, and other dignitaries present.

Technical Specifications of INS Machilipatnam (BY 529): 7th Mahe-Class ASW SWC

1. Vessel Yard Number - BY 529
2. Class - Mahe-Class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC)
3. Shipbuilder - Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi
4. Indigenous Content - Exceeding 80% (Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative)
5. Dimensions - Length: 78 m | Width: 11.36 m | Draught: ~2.7 m
6. Displacement - Approximately 900 tonnes
7. Max Speed & Endurance - Top Speed: 25 knots | Endurance: 1,800 nautical miles
8. Core Capabilities - Underwater Surveillance, Anti-Submarine Operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and Mine Warfare/Laying

Significance of the Name INS Machilipatnam

The vessel takes its name from the historic port town of Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh's Krishna district, long recognised for its maritime trade heritage along India's eastern coastline. Through this naming, the ship carries forward that coastal legacy while reflecting the Navy's ongoing role in protecting India's maritime frontiers.

Operational Role & Capabilities of INS Machilipatnam (BY 529)

Machilipatnam has been designed for underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and mine warfare tasks. Its induction is set to strengthen coastal security and sharpen the Navy's Maritime Domain Awareness.

Boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Shipbuilding

The launch represents further progress in the ASW SWC programme and underlines India's push toward self-reliance in defence production. With over 80 percent indigenous content, the project highlights the maturing strength of India's domestic shipbuilding sector and is expected to meaningfully raise the Navy's operational preparedness across the Indian Ocean Region.