Kochi: In a significant milestone for India’s defense and shipbuilding sectors, the fourth and fifth ships of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) project, Malpe and Mulki, were successfully launched on September 9, 2024, at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), Kochi. These ships are part of an eight-ship series being built for the Indian Navy by CSL under a contract signed in April 2019.
In accordance with maritime traditions, the ships were launched by Mrs. Vijaya Srinivas in the presence of Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.
The Malpe and Mulki are part of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, named after strategic ports along India’s coastline. These ships are set to inherit the legacy of the erstwhile minesweepers that once carried these distinguished names. Designed for operations in coastal waters, the ASW SWC ships will play a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine-laying missions.
Equipped with state-of-the-art underwater sensors developed indigenously, the Mahe-class vessels will enhance India’s capability to protect its maritime boundaries. With a top speed of 25 knots and an endurance of 1800 nautical miles, the ships are well-suited for coastal defense and shallow-water operations.
The simultaneous launch of Malpe and Mulki marks a significant achievement in India’s push towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, aligning with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Notably, these ASW SWC ships boast an 80% indigenous content, underscoring the country’s growing prowess in shipbuilding and defense production. This indigenous focus not only strengthens India’s naval capabilities but also supports the domestic economy by generating employment and boosting the capabilities of Indian manufacturing units.
As India continues to modernize its navy, the Mahe-class ASW SWCs will provide an essential line of defense in safeguarding the country’s coastline from undersea threats. The successful launch of Malpe and Mulki demonstrates the nation’s commitment to developing high-tech naval assets, reducing dependence on foreign imports, and enhancing its naval power in the Indian Ocean region.
