-Naval Maritime Security and Anti-Submarine Capabilities to Be Further Strengthened

New Delhi, 22 July (H.S.):

The Indian Navy has inducted ‘INS Malvan’ into its fleet at the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka. The second Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) vessel of the Mahe class, it was built at Cochin Shipyard Limited with over 80 per cent indigenous content under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ mission. This warship will further strengthen the Navy’s maritime security and anti-submarine capabilities, and stands as a testament to India’s growing capacity in warship construction under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

It has been specifically designed to detect and neutralise enemy submarines, underwater drones and maritime infiltrators in shallow coastal waters. The vessel is equipped with advanced sonar systems, lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine rocket launchers. At approximately 80 metres in length and with a displacement of 1,100 tonnes, the ship is powered by water-jet propulsion, providing high manoeuvrability even in shallow waters and a maximum speed of about 25 knots (46 km/h). Named after the historic coastal town of Malvan in Maharashtra, its insignia features the ‘Vagh Nakh’ (Tiger’s Claw), inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

INS Malvan, adding a new edge to the Indian Navy’s strength, has drawn attention for its 80 per cent indigenous technology, advanced water-jet propulsion system and lethal torpedo capability. Capable of monitoring and precisely targeting adversaries at sea, the warship is being hailed as a major example of India’s defence self-reliance. Due to its potent striking ability, it has been described as the sea’s ‘Silent Killer’. Mahe-class warships are built for effective operations in coastal and shallow maritime areas. This advanced vessel has been specially prepared to locate, pursue and, if necessary, destroy enemy submarines in shallow waters.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, was present as the chief guest at the ceremony. Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Limited, senior naval officers and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar