The Indian Navy launched the Malpe and Mulki, the fourth and fifth ships of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) project, at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) in Kochi on September 9. In line with maritime tradition, the ships were launched by Mrs. Vijaya Srinivas, with Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, in attendance.
The Malpe and Mulki are part of the Mahe-class ASW Shallow Water Crafts, named after strategically important ports along India’s coastline. These ships are designed to continue the proud legacy of their namesake minesweepers, enhancing India’s coastal defence capabilities.
The launch ceremony, held at CSL, saw the ships being launched by Mrs. Vijaya Srinivas in the presence of Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command. The Mahe-class ships are designed to carry forward the legacy of India’s former minesweepers, which previously bore the same names.
The contract for the eight ASW SWC ships was signed on April 30, 2019, between the Ministry of Defence and CSL, marking a key step in bolstering India’s maritime defence capabilities. Equipped with advanced, indigenously developed underwater sensors, these vessels are designed for anti-submarine warfare operations in coastal waters, along with low-intensity maritime and mine-laying operations.
With a maximum speed of 25 knots and an endurance of up to 1,800 nautical miles, the Mahe-class ships are a testament to India’s progress in self-reliant defence production. More than 80% of the components are sourced domestically, furthering the goals of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and ensuring job creation and skills development within India’s defence manufacturing sector.
The simultaneous launch of Malpe and Mulki underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its indigenous shipbuilding industry and enhancing national defence capabilities through cutting-edge technology.
