Mumbai: The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Mahe, the first indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at a ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The vessel, designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, carries forward Kerala's rich maritime heritage through its name and symbolism.

Kerala connection: Historic town namesake

Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast, the warship embodies the region's seafaring traditions. The ship's crest features the Urumi, the flexible sword of Kalaripayattu, Kerala's ancient martial art, rising from stylised waves, symbolising agility and lethal precision. Her mascot, the Cheetah, represents speed and focus, while the motto "Silent Hunters" reflects stealth and vigilance.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, hosted the event, which was presided over by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff. Senior naval officers, representatives from Cochin Shipyard, and distinguished guests attended the commissioning.

Kerala's shipbuilding prowess on display

INS Mahe is the lead ship of eight vessels in her class, all being built at Cochin Shipyard Limited. The project showcases Kerala's growing importance in India's defence manufacturing ecosystem, with over 80 per cent indigenous content. The vessel integrates systems from BEL, L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence Systems, NPOL, and more than 20 MSMEs, reinforcing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Combat capabilities

Specially designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters, INS Mahe is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems. The ship can detect, track, and neutralise sub-surface threats with precision while sustaining prolonged operations in shallow waters.

General Dwivedi emphasised that the commissioning marks India's growing ability to design and construct complex combatants using indigenous technology. He noted the ship will significantly augment coastal security and safeguard maritime interests across littorals.

The Mahe-class vessels will form the first line of coastal defence, integrating with larger surface combatants, submarines, and aviation assets to maintain vigilance over India's maritime areas.