3 India-made naval ships launched in Kochi

New Delhi, Nov 30: Kochi Shipyard marked a milestone on November 30, as it successfully launched the inaugural trio of vessels under the 08 x ASW Shallow Water Craft (CSL) initiative for the Indian Navy.

These vessels, named Mahe, Malvan, and Mangrol, are part of a strategic project undertaken by CSL to bolster India's naval capabilities. The launch ceremony, held at Kochi, saw the three ships taking to the water with the blessings invoked from Atharva Veda.

The Mahe class ASW Shallow Water Crafts derive their nomenclature from key ports strategically situated along the Indian coastline. These vessels aim to uphold the illustrious heritage of their predecessors, the erstwhile minesweepers sharing the same names.

The contractual agreement for constructing eight ASW SWC ships was formalized between the Ministry of Defence and Cochin Shipyard Limited on April 30, 2019. The Mahe class ships are designed to incorporate cutting-edge, domestically developed underwater sensors. These ships are designed to incorporate over 80% indigenous content.

Their primary missions encompass anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and Mine Laying Operations. Characterized by a length of 78 meters and a displacement of approximately 900 tons, the ASW SWC ships boast a maximum speed of 25 knots. The maiden vessel from this project is scheduled for delivery in 2024.