Indian Navy commissions INS Malvan, the second of Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
Karwar, July 22
The Indian Navy commissioned Malvan, the second of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft on Wednesday.
The ceremony was presided over by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Other senior naval officers, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Ltd., Kochi, and veterans were in attendance.
On the occasion, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said, "We all understand how maritime security is important for any nation, as maritime routes decide trade and trade decides its destiny. Indian Ocean region is important to us. Indian Navy is playing a vital role in ensuring secure sea lines of communication and trade continues unhindered. With 80% indigenous content in this warship, we will soon realise the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Indian Navy, right from the beginning, adopted this mantra, even though we (IAF) started very late on this track as various sectors take different speeds of time to grow."
"I hope the other two services, especially the IAF, learn the lesson as to how the Navy has got this concept right," he added.
Built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, Malvan epitomises India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in modern naval shipbuilding and design. With over 80 per cent indigenous content, the ship exemplifies India's growing mastery in warship design, construction and integration.
On the occasion, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan said, "Today marks another significant milestone in India's maritime journey. With over 80% indigenous content is yet another testimony to India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Malvan becomes first Indian naval ship to be commissioned at Karwar and the seventh ship to be commissioned this year, with another 12 to follow. The ship reflects India's rich heritage."
The commissioning of Malvan marks the continued induction of a new generation of indigenous shallow-water warriors - sleek, swift and proudly Indian, the Defence Ministry said earlier.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, a focus on anti-submarine warfare! With China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean, these shallow-water craft are exactly what we need for coastal defence. Good to see Cochin Shipyard delivering quality.
Great step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat. But let's not forget—we still import many critical components. The real test is whether this leads to full indigenisation of naval systems, from sonars to engines. Still, a solid achievement.
Malvan is a name that echoes our coastal heritage. Good to see the Navy naming ships after places like this—it connects the force with local communities. 7 ships commissioned this year? Impressive pace! 🚢
As someone who follows global naval trends, this is a smart investment. Shallow-water ASW is critical for littoral waters, and 80% indigenous content is excellent. The Indian Navy's steady progress is commendable.
Air Chief Marshal's comment about the IAF learning from the Navy might ruffle some feathers, but he's right—the Navy has consistently led in indigenisation. That said, I hope this doesn't create unhealthy rivalry between services. We need all three to work together.
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