INS Malvan Commissioned to Strengthen India’s Coastal Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities

The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Malvan, the second Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at Karwar, adding a highly indigenous submarine-hunting vessel to the Western Fleet.

Named after the historic coastal town of Malvan in Maharashtra, the warship is the first Indian naval vessel to be commissioned at Karwar and the seventh ship inducted into the Navy during the year. It is one of eight Mahe-class vessels being constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited and incorporates more than 80 per cent indigenous content.

INS Malvan has been designed primarily for detecting, tracking and engaging underwater threats in India’s coastal and shallow-water regions. Its induction strengthens the Navy’s ability to protect ports, naval bases, shipping routes and other strategically important maritime infrastructure.

The vessel can undertake subsurface surveillance, search-and-attack missions and coordinated anti-submarine operations alongside naval helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft. It can also perform minelaying, search-and-rescue and coastal-security duties.

INS Malvan carries a forward-mounted RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher and triple 324-millimetre lightweight torpedo tubes on both sides of the vessel. The tubes can launch Advanced Light-Weight Torpedoes against hostile submarines. Mine-laying rails further expand its underwater warfare capabilities.

The vessel is also equipped with an Integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare Defence Suite incorporating torpedo-decoy launching systems supplied by Mahindra Defence Systems. These countermeasures are intended to protect the ship against incoming torpedoes during operations.

For surface engagements and close-range defence, INS Malvan carries a 30-millimetre naval gun and two stabilised 12.7-millimetre remote-controlled weapon systems.

The Mahe-class ships displace between approximately 896 and 1,100 tonnes. They are powered by three marine diesel engines connected to water-jet propulsion systems, making them among the largest Indian naval warships to use this propulsion arrangement.

Water jets provide improved manoeuvrability and reduce underwater noise, an important advantage during anti-submarine operations. INS Malvan can attain a speed of around 25 knots, operate over a range of approximately 1,800 nautical miles at an economical speed and remain at sea for up to 14 days.

The ship incorporates stealth characteristics intended to reduce its radar, acoustic and infrared signatures. Its relatively low underwater noise profile supports the sensitive sonar and surveillance operations required for locating submarines in shallow waters, where seabed conditions, coastal traffic and environmental noise can complicate detection.

The wider Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft programme includes 16 vessels divided into two classes. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers is constructing eight Arnala-class vessels for the Eastern Fleet, while Cochin Shipyard Limited is building eight Mahe-class ships for the Western Fleet.

Indian companies including Bharat Electronics Limited, Mahindra Defence Systems and Larsen & Toubro have contributed equipment and systems to the programme, strengthening the domestic supply chain for sensors, weapons, propulsion support and combat-management technologies.

The commissioning comes amid expanding submarine activity across the Indian Ocean Region. China continues to increase the size and reach of its conventional and nuclear-powered submarine fleet, while Pakistan is introducing Hangor-class submarines alongside its existing underwater force. Specialised shallow-water combatants such as INS Malvan provide the Indian Navy with an additional layer of protection against submarines operating close to the coastline.

The ship’s name reflects the maritime legacy of Maharashtra’s Konkan coast and its association with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It also carries forward the name of the former INS Malwan, which served the Indian Navy until 2003.

INS Malvan’s crest features the Bagh Nakha, symbolising courage, agility and striking power. Its motto, “Silent Claws,” reflects the vessel’s role as a discreet and responsive hunter of underwater threats.

Sources:

1. Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence. “Indian Navy Set to Commission the Latest ASW Shallow Water Craft Malvan.” Government of India, 16 July 2026.
   https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2285439&reg=48&lang=1
2. Cochin Shipyard Limited. “Delivery of ‘Malwan’ — Second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft to the Indian Navy.” 1 April 2026.
   https://cochinshipyard.in/news/view/94