India took a significant leap in its maritime defence capabilities with the launch of two Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) ships, `Malpe’ and `Mulki’.
These vessels, the fourth and fifth of the eight-ship ASW SWC project, are being built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) under a contract signed with the Ministry of Defence in April 2019.
The `Mahe’ class of ASW Shallow Water Crafts, named after strategically important Indian ports, marks a new era in India’s naval defence strategy. These ships are designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, mine-laying, and low-intensity maritime operations. Equipped with cutting-edge, indigenously developed underwater sensors, these vessels embody India’s strides in domestic defence production and technological self-reliance under the `Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The ships boast a maximum speed of 25 knots and an endurance of up to 1,800 nautical miles, demonstrating versatility and power.
Launch Ceremony
The launch was a ceremonial event, with Mrs. Vijaya Srinivas christening the vessels in the presence of Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.