On November 30, 2023, CSL, Kochi, launched the first three ships of the Indian Navy's 08 x ASW Shallow Water Craft project – Mahe, Malvan, and Mangrol.
- Keeping in mind the maritime tradition, the three ships of the Indian Navy were launched separately. In which:
- ‘MAHE’ was launched by Smt. Anjali Bahl in the presence of Vice Admiral Puneet Bahl, Commandant INA,
- ‘Malvan’ was launched by Smt. Kangana Berry in the presence of Vice Admiral Suraj Berry, C-in-C and
- ‘Mangrol’ was commissioned by Vice Admiral Sanjay J. Singh, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Smt. Zareen Lord Singh.
- The ships were launched with invocations of the Atharvaveda.
- The Mahe class ASW shallow water crafts are named after ports of strategic importance along the coast of India and will seek to carry forward the glorious legacy of the erstwhile warships which were their namesakes.
Contract for construction of eight ASW SWC ships:
- The contract for the construction of eight ASW SWC ships between the Ministry of Defense and Cochin Shipyard Limited was signed on 30 April 2019.
- The Mahe class ships will be equipped with indigenously developed, state-of-the-art underwater sensors and are envisioned for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters as well as low intensity maritime operations (LIMO) and mine laying operations.
Features of ASW SWC Ships:
- The ASW SWC ships are 78 meters long and have a displacement of approximately 900 tonnes with a maximum speed of 25 knots.
- The simultaneous launch of three ships of the same class highlights Indian progress in indigenous shipbuilding towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
Delivery of first of ASW SWC vessels possible by 2024:
- The first ship of the project is planned to be delivered next year in 2024.
Construction of ships with maximum indigenous material:
- The ASW SWC ships will have more than 80 per cent indigenous content, ensuring that large-scale defense production will be undertaken by Indian manufacturing units, thereby increasing employment and affordability within the country.
Important full forms for the exam:
CSL: Cochin Shipyard Limited
ASW SWC: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craf