New Delhi: INS Malvan, the second indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Karwar on Wednesday, strengthening the country’s anti-submarine warfare and coastal defence capabilities.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Senior naval officers, representatives of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), veterans, and other distinguished guests also attended the event.
INS Malvan is the second of eight Mahe-class ASW-SWCs being built by CSL in Kochi. It is also the sixth of 16 ASW-SWCs to be commissioned into the Indian Navy, according to an official statement.
With more than 80% indigenous content, the warship supports the Indian government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and reflects the country’s growing self-reliance in naval design, equipment, system integration and defence shipbuilding.
Named after the historic coastal town of Malvan in Maharashtra, the vessel honours the maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It also carries forward the legacy of its predecessor, an Indian Navy inshore minesweeper that remained in service until 2003.
INS Malvan is equipped for underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare operations, low-intensity maritime operations and mine warfare. The Indian Navy said the vessel will strengthen coastal defence, littoral security and maritime domain awareness.
The ship’s crest features the Bagh Nakha (Tiger’s Claw), symbolising bravery, agility, warfare tactics and audacity. Its motto, Silent Claws, reflects the vessel’s stealth, lethality and ability to strike swiftly.
Addressing the gathering, Singh underlined the importance of safeguarding sea lines of communication to ensure uninterrupted maritime trade amid global uncertainties.
He praised the Indian Navy’s progress under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and highlighted the ship’s more than 80% indigenous content.
He also said the Navy’s practice of embedding officers in the shipbuilding process could help accelerate self-reliance across the wider defence ecosystem. Reaffirming the vision of tri-service integration, he called for seamless coordination among the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force to strengthen India’s preparedness for future conflicts.
