Mahe, Malvan and Mangrol, the first three ships of 08 x ASW Shallow Water Craft (CSL) project being built by CSL, Kochi for Indian Navy, were launched on 30 Nov 2023 at CSL, Kochi. In keeping with maritime tradition, Mahe was launched by Mrs Anjali Bahl in presence of VAdm Puneet Bahl, Commandant INA, Malvan was launched by Mrs Kangana Berry in presence of VAdm Suraj Berry, C-in-C, and Mangrol was launched by Mrs Zarine Lord Singh in presence of VAdm Sanjay J Singh, VCNS. The ships were launched to invocation from Atharva Veda. The Mahe class ASW Shallow Water Crafts have been named after ports of strategic importance along coast of India and will look to carry forward glorious legacy of erstwhile minesweepers which were their namesake. The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between MoD and CSL on 30 Apr 2019. The Mahe class of ships will be equipped with indigenously developed, state-of-the-art underwater sensors, and are envisaged to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters as well as Low Intensity Maritime Operations LIMO and Mine Laying Operations. The ASW SWC ships are 78 m long and displacement is approx 900 tons, with a maximum speed of 25 knots. Simultaneous launch of three ships of same class highlights our strides in indigenous shipbuilding, towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The first ship of the project is planned to be delivered in 2024. The ASW SWC ships will have over 80% indigenous content, thereby ensuring that large scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units, generating employment and capability enhancement within country.
