INS Malvan

INS Malvan
Why in News?
The Indian Navy inducted INS Malvan, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) of the Mahe class, at Karwar, Karnataka, on 22 July 2026. The induction marks another milestone in India's indigenous warship-building programme under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
What is INS Malvan?
•    INS Malvan is the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) of the Mahe class commissioned into the Indian Navy. 
•    It has been built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. 
•    The warship incorporates more than 80% indigenous equipment and technology, reflecting India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. 
•    It is designed primarily to detect, track and neutralise enemy submarines operating in shallow coastal waters. 
Key Features
•    INS Malvan is equipped with RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers, DRDO-developed lightweight torpedoes, and a German-Indian integrated sonar suite for underwater detection and engagement. 
•    The vessel is capable of conducting underwater surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations, Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and mine warfare. 
•    It is specifically designed for operations in shallow coastal and littoral waters, where submarine detection is particularly challenging. 
Strategic Importance
•    INS Malvan strengthens India's capability to safeguard its coastal waters against underwater threats. 
•    It enhances coastal defence, littoral security, and maritime domain awareness by improving surveillance and rapid response in near-shore regions. 
•    The induction demonstrates India's expanding indigenous capability in warship construction, naval technology, and anti-submarine warfare. 
•    The vessel is expected to play an important role in protecting India's maritime interests and supporting overall naval security.