Navy unveils crest of INS Mahe ahead of commissioning

New Delhi, Nov 17: The Indian Navy has unveiled the crest of Mahe, the first vessel in the indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), ahead of its commissioning in Mumbai.

The launch of the crest marks a significant milestone in the ship’s transition from blueprint to induction and highlighting India’s expanding self-reliance in naval shipbuilding. Named after the coastal town of Mahe on India’s western seaboard, the ship pays tribute to India’s deep maritime traditions and the enduring spirit of its coastal communities.

The crest draws from the cultural and martial heritage of the region, prominently featuring an Urumi—the flexible, whip-like sword associated with the ancient martial art of Kalarippayattu. Rising from the sea, the Urumi represents agility, precision and lethal fluidity, mirroring the ship’s capability to manoeuvre swiftly and strike decisively in shallow waters. The surrounding waves symbolise India’s vast maritime expanse and the Navy’s constant readiness to secure it. The ship’s motto, “Silent Hunters,” reflects the core attributes of anti-submarine warfare: stealth, vigilance and resolute action. According to the Navy, the crest embodies a fusion of cultural legacy and modern technological capability, representing yet another step forward in its pursuit of indigenisation, innovation and Aatmanirbharta.