Indian Navy to add submarine hunter INS Malvan to its fleet: Check its capabilities and why it matters

The Indian Navy will commission the anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC) Malvan at Karwar on Wednesday, strengthening its coastal defence capabilities amid increasing Chinese and Pakistani submarine activity in the Indian Ocean Region.

Named after the historic coastal town in Maharashtra, Malvan is the second of eight Mahe-class ASW-SWCs being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited with more than 80% indigenous content.

ASW-SWC programme to strengthen coastal anti-submarine operations

The ASW-SWC programme has been launched to enhance India's ability to counter underwater threats in shallow coastal waters. A total of 16 vessels are being constructed in two classes, with eight Arnala-class ships for the Eastern Fleet being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers and eight Mahe-class ships for the Western Fleet by Cochin Shipyard Limited.


The vessels are designed for subsurface surveillance, search-and-attack missions and coordinated anti-submarine warfare operations alongside naval aircraft. They also perform secondary roles, including minelaying and search-and-rescue operations. Equipped with advanced sensors and weapons, the ships are capable of detecting, tracking and neutralising hostile submarines in shallow waters while improving the protection of ports.

Malvan equipped with advanced anti-submarine weapons

The Mahe-class warships are equipped with a forward-mounted RBU-6000 rocket launcher, triple 324 mm lightweight torpedo tubes on both port and starboard sides armed with Advanced Light-Weight Torpedoes, and anti-submarine mine-laying rails.

For self-defence, the vessels are fitted with torpedo decoy launching systems supplied by Mahindra Defence Systems as part of the Integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare Defence Suite. Surface warfare capability is provided by a 30 mm naval gun and two 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled guns, the Indian variant of Elbit Systems' Remote Controlled Naval Weapon Station. This combination enables the vessels to operate independently in contested littoral waters.

Mahe-class specifications and indigenous features

The Mahe-class vessels have a displacement ranging from 896 to 1,100 tonnes, a length of 78 metres, a beam of 11.36 metres and a draft of 2.7 metres.

They can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots and have an operational range of 1,800 nautical miles at 14 knots, with an endurance of 14 days. Powered by three 6 MW marine diesel engines coupled with water jets, they are the largest Indian Navy warships to use pump-jet propulsion. The Arnala-class is powered by MTU 20V 4000 M93L diesel engines.

Both classes incorporate stealth features, including reduced radar cross-section, low acoustic signature and reduced infrared signature. The programme includes contributions from domestic companies such as Bharat Electronics, Mahindra Defence and Larsen & Toubro. Delivery of the final vessel under the 16-ship project is expected by June 2028.

Commissioning comes amid growing regional submarine presence

The induction of Malvan comes as submarine activity increases across the Indian Ocean Region. China continues to expand its conventional and nuclear-powered submarine fleet, while Pakistan has inducted the first of its eight Hangor-class submarines into service alongside its existing fleet of five submarines.

India's conventional submarine fleet currently stands at 16 vessels and is not expected to grow in the near future. The induction of ASW-SWCs is therefore expected to strengthen India's undersea deterrence by providing a flexible and cost-effective capability to counter hostile submarines in coastal waters alongside larger surface combatants, anti-submarine aircraft and submarines.

IAF chief to attend commissioning ceremony

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh will preside over the commissioning ceremony in Kochi along with Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.

Warship honours Malvan's maritime legacy

The warship is named after the historic coastal town of Malvan in Maharashtra, reflecting the maritime legacy associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It also continues the legacy of the erstwhile INS Malwan, which served the Indian Navy until 2003.

Indian Navy unveils Malvan's crest

The Indian Navy recently unveiled the crest of Malvan on X, describing it as featuring the Bagh Nakha, a symbol of courage, agility and audacity. According to the Navy, the emblem, encircled by waves, represents the ship's commitment to remaining vigilant and striking silently in defence of India's maritime frontiers under the motto "Silent Claws."