Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) The Indian Navy is set to give a major boost to its coastal defense capabilities with the commissioning of INS Mahe, the first ship of the Mahe class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on November 24. Navy officials gave this information on Sunday.
Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) as part of the Navy’s broader effort for self-reliance in maritime capability, Mahe marks a significant advancement in India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
The ship represents the Navy’s growing mastery of indigenous design, engineering and platform integration, with more than 80 per cent of its systems and equipment sourced from India.
Compact, agile and purpose-built for littoral warfare, the Mahe-class is designed to detect and neutralize hostile submarines operating close to the coast.
“With a blend of firepower, stealth and mobility, the ship is designed to hunt submarines, conduct coastal patrolling and secure India’s vital maritime approaches,” a naval officer said.
Named after the historic coastal region of Mahe on the Malabar Coast, the ship has a crest featuring ‘Urumi’, the flexible sword used in Kalaripayattu.
The symbol reflects the defining characteristics of the ship – agility, accuracy and lethal effectiveness in shallow waters.
“The commissioning of Mahi will mark the arrival of a new generation of indigenous shallow water combatants – sleek, fast and tenacious Indian,” the official said.
On 6 November, the survey vessel INS Ikshak, the third of the large ships, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in a formal ceremony at the Naval Base in Kochi.
It was presided over by Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.
Describing INS Ikshak as “a symbol of India’s maritime confidence and technological self-reliance”, the Navy Chief said the ship underlines the Navy’s transformation from a buyer’s navy to a builder’s navy.
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), the ship has about 80 per cent indigenous content, reflecting the success of India’s self-reliance in defense production.
Amid growing geopolitical competition in the sea, the Navy Chief said, “When the global seas are turbulent, the world looks for a steady lighthouse – India stands ready to play that role with strength and stability.”
–IANS
sas/khz