India Strengthens Navy with Induction of Indigenous Submarine Hunter ‘Mahe’

The Indian Navy has officially inducted the *Mahe*, marking a significant advancement in its underwater combat capabilities. This new addition, the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), was formally handed over during a ceremony on March 15, 2024. The event highlighted India’s commitment to increasing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, with *Mahe* being a key component of this strategy.

The handover ceremony included the signing of acceptance documents between *Mahe*’s Commanding Officer-Designate, Commander Amit Chandra Choubey, and the Director of Operations at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Dr. S. Harikrishnan. Senior naval officials such as Rear Admiral R. Adhisrinivasan and Commodore Anup Menon were present, underscoring the significance of this milestone for the Navy’s operational readiness.

Design and Capabilities of Mahe

Indigenously designed and constructed under the classification standards of Det Norske Veritas (DNV), *Mahe* measures 78 metres in length. It stands out as the largest Indian naval vessel utilizing a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion system. This configuration enhances its speed, agility, and operational flexibility, making it suitable for shallow water operations, including surveillance and anti-submarine engagements.

*Mahe* is engineered for multiple roles, including underwater surveillance, search and rescue operations, low-intensity maritime missions, and mine-laying activities. Equipped with advanced sensors and communication systems, this vessel is expected to substantially improve the Navy’s coastal defence and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, enabling rapid responses in the Indian Ocean.

Commitment to Self-Reliance

The induction of *Mahe* aligns with the government’s vision of *Aatma Nirbhar Bharat*, or self-reliant India, with over 90 percent of its content being indigenous. Most materials, machinery, sensors, and onboard systems have been sourced from Indian manufacturers. This not only reflects the maturity of the country’s defence industrial base but also represents the Navy’s dedication to enhancing its capabilities in undersea warfare.

The delivery of *Mahe* marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s ongoing indigenisation drive. The remaining seven vessels in the ASW SWC series are currently under construction at CSL and are scheduled for phased delivery over the next few years. This ongoing investment in indigenous capabilities illustrates India’s commitment to building a robust and self-sufficient defence sector.