Indian Navy to Commission Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft Malvan

#GS-3 #Science & Technology #Defence #Current Events #National #Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft #Indian Navy

Why in News

The Indian Navy is preparing to commission its second indigenous **Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)** named **Malvan**.

**Malvan** is a new-generation warship built specifically for sub-surface combat operations in shallow coastal waters.
The Indian Navy describes it as a compact shallow-water warrior capable of fast, high-precision defensive and offensive patrols near the coast.

**Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)** in Kochi, Kerala entirely constructed and integrated this warship.

Deploying **Malvan** aims to strengthen coastal security by detecting, tracking, and neutralizing enemy submarines, underwater drones, and intruders near coastlines, ports, and islands.

The vessel features over **80% indigenous content**, demonstrating India's self-reliance in warship design and combat systems.
Engineers optimized this craft to operate effectively in shallow coastal waters where larger warships cannot easily navigate.
Its lightweight hull structure gives the vessel high speed, fuel efficiency, and quick response capabilities against underwater threats.
The ship carries advanced hull-mounted and towed array sonars to detect and track enemy submarines with high accuracy.
It possesses strong attack capabilities with lightweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rocket launchers, and mine-laying equipment.

It strengthens coastal defence by raising India's ability to locate and counter hostile submarines and underwater drones in shore waters.
The vessel protects vital ports, **Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ)**, offshore energy sites, and shipping routes, freeing larger warships for deep-ocean missions.
This achievement boosts domestic shipbuilding capacity while supporting defence exports and building a resilient supply chain.