INS Malwan delivered: Features of navy’s ASW shallow water craft key to coastal defence

India has taken delivery of ‘Malwan’, the second of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi, on March 31, 2026, marking another step in strengthening indigenous naval capabilities. Designed and constructed in India to naval specifications and in line with DNV classification rules, the vessel underscores the country’s push for self-reliance, with over 80% indigenous content.

These vessels are compact yet potent platforms designed to detect, track and neutralise underwater threats close to India’s coastline. ‘Malwan’ is the second vessel in a planned series of eight under a Ministry of Defence-approved programme aimed at replacing older Abhay-class corvettes and modernising the naval fleet.

Named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Named after the historic coastal town of Malwan in Maharashtra, associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s maritime legacy, the ship also carries forward the lineage of the erstwhile INS Malwan, a minesweeper that served until 2003.

Key features and specifications of Malwan

‘Malwan’ is equipped with advanced systems to operate effectively in shallow waters:

• Length: Around 80 metres
• Displacement: About 1,100 tonnes
• Propulsion: Waterjet system for high agility
• Weapons: Lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets
• Sensors: Advanced sonar systems and radars
• Operations: Anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare and surveillance

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Operational roles and capabilities

Designed for littoral or coastal zones where larger warships are less effective, these vessels serve as the first line of defence against submarine threats near Indian shores. Enhanced sonar and sensor suites significantly improve underwater surveillance and tracking of enemy submarines.

Multi-role flexibility and future readiness

Beyond anti-submarine warfare, ‘Malwan’ can undertake mine-laying, low-intensity maritime operations and coastal patrol missions. As naval conflicts become increasingly multi-domain, such platforms are critical to ensuring future readiness.

Part of a larger naval programme

‘Malwan’ follows INS Mahe, delivered in October 2025, as part of an eight-vessel series that includes Mahe, Malwan, Mangrol, Malpe, Mulki, Munroe, Makkah and Mandavi. This fleet is expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s coastal defence network.

Boost to naval readiness

The induction of ‘Malwan’ is set to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine, coastal surveillance and mine-laying capabilities, reinforcing maritime security along the country’s coastline.