The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Malvan, the second Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at Karwar, strengthening its coastal anti-submarine warfare and maritime security capabilities.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, along with senior naval officers, representatives of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), veterans, and other dignitaries.
Designed and built indigenously by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi, INS Malvan is the second of eight Mahe-class ASW-SWCs under construction and the sixth of a total of 16 ASW shallow water craft planned for induction into the Indian Navy. With more than 80% indigenous content, the warship reflects India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Named after the historic coastal town of Malvan in Maharashtra—closely associated with the maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—the vessel also honours its predecessor, an Indian Navy inshore minesweeper that served until 2003.
INS Malvan has been designed to undertake underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare operations, low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO), and mine warfare missions. The vessel is expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s coastal defence, littoral security, and maritime domain awareness.
The ship’s crest features the Bagh Nakha (Tiger’s Claw), symbolising courage, agility, and offensive capability, while its motto, “Silent Claws,” reflects its emphasis on stealth, precision, and rapid response against underwater threats.
Addressing the gathering, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh highlighted the importance of securing sea lines of communication amid evolving global security challenges. He praised the Indian Navy’s success in indigenous warship construction and noted that embedding naval officers in shipbuilding projects has significantly accelerated capability development. He also called for deeper tri-service integration among the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force to enhance joint operational effectiveness.
The induction of INS Malvan significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Designed to operate alongside frontline warships, submarines, and naval aviation assets, the vessel will strengthen India’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests while reinforcing the Navy’s vision of remaining Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future Ready.
