New Delhi: The Indian Navy launched Machilipatnam (BY 529) on Wednesday, the seventh of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
Goolrukh Anand launched the vessel in the presence of Vice Admiral Atul Anand, Additional Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs. Senior officials from the Navy, CSL, and other guests attended the ceremony, according to an official statement.
The ship takes its name from Machilipatnam, a historic port city in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district known for its maritime legacy and role in trade along India’s eastern coast. Officials said the vessel reflects that heritage while reinforcing the Navy’s role in protecting India’s maritime interests.
Machilipatnam is built for underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and low-intensity maritime operations, along with mine warfare capability. It is expected to strengthen coastal defence and improve maritime domain awareness.
The launch marks another step forward in the ASW SWC project and supports India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
With indigenous content above 80 percent, the project highlights the growing strength of India’s shipbuilding sector. Officials said it will boost the Navy’s operational readiness in the Indian Ocean Region.
