Why in news?
The Indian Navy has taken delivery of Malwan, the second of eight Anti‑Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. The vessel was handed over on 31 March 2026 and will strengthen India’s ability to track and neutralise submarines in coastal waters.
Background
To replace older coastal patrol craft and improve shallow‑water defence, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract in 2019 with Cochin Shipyard Limited for eight ASW SWCs. These ships are designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and feature high indigenous content under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The class is named after coastal towns to honour India’s maritime heritage. Malwan follows the first ship, Mahe, and the remaining six vessels will be delivered in coming years.
Key features
- Size and propulsion: Malwan measures about 80 metres in length and displaces roughly 1,100 tonnes. Waterjet propulsion allows it to reach speeds of around 25 knots and manoeuvre in shallow waters.
- Sensors and weapons: The craft is fitted with hull‑mounted sonar, low‑frequency variable depth sonar and advanced radars to detect submarines and surface targets. It carries lightweight torpedoes, anti‑submarine rockets and small‑calibre weapons for self‑defence.
- Command and control: Integrated navigation and communication systems enable seamless data sharing with other naval units and shore stations, allowing coordinated operations.
- Indigenous design: More than 80 percent of the ship’s components, including steel, propulsion systems and sensors, are sourced from Indian suppliers, fostering domestic manufacturing.
Significance
- Strengthening coastal defence: ASW SWCs patrol littoral areas and choke points where larger warships cannot operate effectively. Their shallow draft and specialised sensors help deter hostile submarines near India’s coastline.
- Supporting self‑reliance: Building these ships in India promotes the local shipbuilding ecosystem and reduces dependence on foreign technology.
- Multi‑role capability: Beyond anti‑submarine warfare, the vessels can undertake search‑and‑rescue, surveillance and mine‑laying operations.
Conclusion
The delivery of Malwan marks another step in modernising the Navy’s coastal fleet. As more vessels join the series, India will enhance its undersea vigilance while showcasing its growing shipbuilding capabilities.
Source: Press Information Bureau
