NEW DELHI — The Indian Navy will commission an indigenous submarine hunter in Mumbai on Monday, according to a report by The Times of India. The vessel, identified as Mangrol in that report, is part of the Mahe‑class anti‑submarine warfare ships. Other outlets refer to the ship as INS Malvan. The commissioning ceremony will be held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
Indigenous Submarine Hunter Adds to India’s Coastal Defence
The Mahe‑class platform is a product of the country’s growing domestic shipbuilding capability. Built by Mazagon Dock Limited, the vessel is designed to detect and engage hostile submarines in the shallow waters of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. It carries a hull‑mounted sonar, a towed array system, and a suite of torpedo launchers that allow it to neutralise underwater threats at depths of up to 500 metres.
According to the Indian Express, the vessel’s crest bears the “Wagh Nakh” motif, a symbol traditionally associated with the Navy’s anti‑submarine warfare units. The design incorporates stealth features that reduce acoustic signatures, making the ship harder to detect by enemy submarines.
The defence.newsd.in report notes that the ship is ready for deployment and that it will be manned by a crew of 120 officers and sailors. It is expected to operate at speeds of 25 knots and has a range of 3,000 nautical miles, enabling it to patrol the Indian coastline for extended periods.
India’s naval modernization programme has placed a premium on indigenous production. The Mahe‑class is the third vessel in a series of anti‑submarine ships that the Navy has ordered from domestic yards. The programme aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and to strengthen the country’s maritime self‑reliance.
The commissioning of the vessel will be attended by senior naval officers, including the Chief of Naval Staff, who will oversee the formal handover. The ceremony is part of a broader schedule of naval launches that includes new frigates and patrol vessels.
While the Times of India identified the ship as Mangrol, the Indian Express and defence.newsd.in refer to it as INS Malvan. The discrepancy reflects the early stage of the vessel’s public unveiling. The Navy has not yet issued an official designation, and the name may be finalized during the commissioning ceremony.
The vessel’s introduction comes at a time when India is expanding its maritime footprint. The Indian Ocean region has seen increased naval activity from several littoral states, and the Navy’s anti‑submarine assets are a key component of its deterrence strategy.
According to the Indian Express, the Mahe‑class platform is expected to operate under the Western Naval Command, which is responsible for the Arabian Sea. The ship’s deployment will enhance the Navy’s ability to detect and counter submarine incursions in the region.
India’s defence procurement strategy has increasingly focused on indigenous technology. The Mahe‑class is a testament to the country’s ability to design and build sophisticated warships without relying on foreign technology. The vessel’s construction at Mazagon Dock Limited showcases the yard’s expertise in advanced naval architecture.
The commissioning of the vessel will be covered by national media, and the Navy is expected to release a statement following the ceremony. The event marks a milestone in India’s pursuit of a self‑reliant defence industry.
