Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
New Delhi, Nov 17 (IANS) The Indian Navy has unveiled the flagship of Mahe, the first ship of indigenously designed and built Mahe class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), ahead of its commissioning in Mumbai on November 24, an official said on Monday.
“This is a significant milestone in the ship’s journey from design to induction, celebrating India’s growing self-reliance in naval shipbuilding and the symbolic identity that binds the ship’s heritage, design and operational role,” the Navy official said in a statement.
Named after the coastal city of Mahe on India’s western seaboard, the ship reflects India’s enduring maritime traditions and coastal spirit.
The ship’s spire takes inspiration from the cultural and martial heritage of the region, depicting the ‘Urumi’ – the flexible sword associated with Kalaripayattu and a symbol of Kerala’s martial heritage, rising from the sea, the statement said.
‘Urumi’ symbolizes agility, precision and lethal grace, reflecting the ship’s ability to maneuver swiftly and attack a beachhead decisively. At the same time, the waves also represent India’s vast maritime domain and the Navy’s constant readiness to protect it, the statement said.
INS Mahe, the first ship of the Mahe class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), is likely to be commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on November 24, Naval officials said.
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.
“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.
–IANS
rch/and