New Delhi: The Indian Navy is set to commission ‘Mahe’, the first of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, during a ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Monday.
The event, hosted by Vice-Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, will be presided over by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, the Navy said in a statement.
The induction of Mahe marks the arrival of a new generation of indigenous shallow-water combat vessels — compact, high-speed and designed to operate with precision in coastal environments. With indigenous content exceeding 80 per cent, the Mahe-class reflects India’s advancing shipbuilding capabilities and growing self-reliance in defence production.
Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the vessel is engineered for anti-submarine operations, coastal patrols and securing India’s maritime approaches. The Navy described Mahe as a “Silent Hunter” for the Western Seaboard, combining stealth, agility and endurance to counter undersea threats.
The ship takes its name from the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast. Its crest features an Urumi — the flexible sword of Kalaripayattu — representing agility, precision and readiness. The emblem, unveiled last week, draws inspiration from Kerala’s martial traditions and symbolises the ship’s role in safeguarding India’s littoral waters.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for Navy Day 2025, scheduled for December 3. The day will feature an operational demonstration at Shangumugham beach in Thiruvananthapuram, showcasing the Navy’s capabilities and expanding maritime strength. The event, originally planned for December 4, continues the Navy’s practice of hosting celebrations away from major bases, following previous displays in Puri and Sindhudurg.
