Name Mahe, features Urumi: Navy’s new warfare craft embodies lethal grace of Kerala’s Kalarippayattu

India’s Navy is set to commission the anti-submarine warfare shallow-water craft (ASW SWC) ‘Mahe’ on November 24, marking a milestone in the country’s indigenous shipbuilding efforts. The vessel, equipped with torpedoes, multi-functional anti-submarine rockets, and advanced radars and sonars, was built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).

First of its class with Kerala connection

The first of eight Mahe-class ships, the vessel is named after Mahe, a historic port town in Puducherry, and carries a distinct Kerala connection. Its crest features an ‘Urumi’, the flexible sword of Kerala’s traditional martial art Kalarippayattu, symbolising agility, precision, and lethal grace.

A modern, versatile warship

“With her blend of firepower, stealth and mobility, the ship is designed to hunt submarines, conduct coastal patrols, and secure India's vital maritime approaches,” a Navy spokesperson said. Delivered to the Navy on October 23, the vessel is compact yet powerful, embodying agility, precision, and endurance—qualities essential for dominating littoral waters.

Indigenous content underlines Aatmanirbhar Bharat

With more than 80 per cent indigenous content, the Mahe-class showcases India’s growing expertise in warship design, construction, and integration. “The commissioning of 'Mahe' will mark the arrival of a new generation of indigenous shallow-water combatants -- sleek, swift, and resolutely Indian,” the spokesperson added. The vessel highlights the Navy’s commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reflecting the country’s self-reliance in defence technology.

Commissioning milestone

The Mahe will be formally commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on November 24, reinforcing India’s strategic capability in anti-submarine operations and coastal security.