New Delhi: The Indian Navy is set to commission Mahe, the lead vessel of its Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Monday. The ceremony, hosted by Vice-Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, will be presided over by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.
The induction of Mahe marks the arrival of a new line of homegrown shallow-water combatants designed for agility, speed and coastal dominance. With over 80 per cent indigenous components, the vessel underscores India’s growing capability in naval architecture, shipbuilding and advanced systems integration.
Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Mahe stands as a significant milestone in the country’s drive toward greater self-reliance in defence production. Compact in design yet equipped with modern weaponry and sensors, the ship is engineered to excel in high-precision anti-submarine missions, coastal patrols and the protection of India’s maritime approaches. Its blend of stealth, endurance and manoeuvrability will enable the Navy to tighten surveillance across the littoral zones of the Western Seaboard.
The vessel is named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast. Its crest features the Urumi, the flexible sword associated with Kalaripayattu, symbolising sharpness, agility and cultural heritage. The emblem reflects both the region’s legacy and the ship’s operational ethos. The crest was officially unveiled last week during a naval event that highlighted the ship’s symbolic and strategic significance.
As Mahe joins the fleet, the Navy has also begun preparations for Navy Day 2025. This year’s celebrations will take place on December 3 at Shangumugham beach in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring a large-scale operational demonstration showcasing the force’s growing maritime strength. The event, moved a day earlier from the traditional date of December 4, continues the Navy’s initiative to host its annual display beyond major naval bases. In recent years, the celebrations were held in Puri and Sindhudurg, expanding public engagement across different regions.
