Navy receives anti-submarine watercraft INS Malwan to boost maritime security
With over 80% indigenous content, the vessel highlights domestic industry and MSME contributions, and is named after Malwan, reflecting the maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The Indian Navy on Tuesday received INS Malwan – the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, a government statement said. The vessel is part of a series of eight ships being constructed to strengthen India’s coastal defence and underwater surveillance capabilities.
Designed and built indigenously by CSL in accordance with Indian Navy requirements and the classification standards of DNV - a globally recognised Norway-based classification body that establishes technical standards and certification guidelines for ships, offshore platforms, and maritime systems - INS Malwan represents a significant step in India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
INS Mahe was the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) built by CSL and was commissioned last November.
INS Malwan, meanwhile, incorporates over 80 percent indigenous content, reflecting the growing role of domestic industries, including MSMEs, in building advanced naval platforms.
The vessel derives its name from Malwan, a historic coastal town in Maharashtra associated with the maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
It also carries forward the legacy of the earlier INS Malwan, a minesweeper that served the Navy until 2003, maintaining the tradition of reusing distinguished naval names.
Measuring around 80 metres in length and displacing approximately 1,100 tonnes, INS Malwan is equipped with modern propulsion and combat systems tailored for operations in shallow coastal waters.
The ship is powered by waterjet propulsion and fitted with advanced sensors, including radars and sonar systems, enabling effective underwater detection and tracking.
INS Malwan is designed to perform a range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, underwater surveillance, and low-intensity maritime operations.
It is also equipped with mine warfare capabilities, enhancing its versatility in safeguarding coastal and near-shore areas.
The ship carries torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets, allowing it to respond effectively to underwater threats.
The induction of INS Malwan underscores India’s ongoing efforts to modernise its naval fleet while promoting indigenous design and production.
The project aligns with the government’s broader vision of achieving self-reliance in defence under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) initiative.
With the delivery of this vessel, the Indian Navy continues to strengthen its operational readiness in coastal regions, while supporting the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The remaining ships in the series are expected to further enhance the Navy’s capabilities in anti-submarine warfare and maritime security in the coming years.