India marked a significant milestone in its naval defense capabilities with the keel-laying of the eighth and final Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) under the Mahe-class project at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi on 29 May 2025. The ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, CWP&A, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy and CSL.
This milestone underscores the steady progress in India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding efforts, with all eight ships in the series at advanced production stages. The project boasts over 80% indigenous content, reinforcing India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
The Ministry of Defence awarded the contract for the Mahe-class ships to CSL on 30 April 2019. Designed for anti-submarine operations, low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO), and mine-laying missions, these vessels are equipped with indigenously developed state-of-the-art underwater sensors.
The Indian Navy is set to receive all eight ships between August 2025 and June 2028, further strengthening its anti-submarine warfare capabilities and reinforcing national security in coastal waters.
