INS Malvan commissioned at Karwar, strengthening Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities
The indigenously built anti submarine warfare vessel joins the Navy to enhance coastal security and underwater surveillance operations.
The Indian Navy’s strength received a major boost with the commissioning of INS Malvan, an indigenously designed and built warship, at the INS Kadamba Naval Base in Karwar on Wednesday.
INS Malvan, the second ship of the Mahe class of Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), was formally inducted into the Navy by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Western Naval Command Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, senior Navy officials, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Limited, retired defence personnel and other dignitaries. This was the first time a warship was officially commissioned at the INS Kadamba Naval Base in Karwar.
Addressing the gathering, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh highlighted the importance of securing maritime routes amid growing global uncertainties. He said safe sea lanes are crucial for the country’s economy and international trade.
Praising India’s shipbuilding capabilities, he said INS Malvan reflects the success of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, as more than 80 percent of its equipment has been sourced from indigenous manufacturers. He also stressed the need for greater coordination between the Army, Navy and Air Force to address future security challenges.
Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan said the induction of INS Malvan would significantly improve the Navy’s anti submarine warfare capabilities. He added that the vessel would play an important role in coastal defence, maritime surveillance and protecting India’s interests at sea.
Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, INS Malvan is the second of eight Mahe class ASW SWC vessels and the sixth among 16 such ships being inducted into the Indian Navy.
The warship measures around 78.8 metres in length and weighs approximately 1,150 tonnes. It is equipped with advanced systems including a 30 mm naval gun, torpedo launchers, rocket launchers, the Abhay sonar system and a modern combat management system developed by Bharat Electronics Limited.
The vessel has been specially designed for submarine detection, anti submarine operations, low intensity maritime operations, mine warfare and coastal security missions. It can operate alongside larger warships, submarines and naval aviation units.
The ship has been named after Malvan, a historic coastal town in Maharashtra, as a tribute to the maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Its emblem features the “Bagh Nakh”, or tiger claw, symbolising courage, speed and strength. The motto “Silent Claws” represents the vessel’s ability to conduct stealth operations and respond swiftly to maritime threats.
With the commissioning of INS Malvan, the Indian Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities have received further enhancement, providing additional strength to India’s coastal security and maritime defence efforts.