INS Malvan Commissioned : Made-in-India Warship Enhances Maritime Defence

Bengaluru : India’s maritime defence capabilities received a major boost on Wednesday with the formal induction of INS Malvan, the country’s second indigenous ‘Mahe’ class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), into the Indian Navy.

The commissioning ceremony was held at Karwar, Karnataka, marking another significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The ceremony was attended by Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh as the chief guest. During the event, he stressed the growing importance of joint operations among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, stating that future wars cannot be won by a single service alone. He emphasized that coordinated action by all three armed forces would be essential to safeguard the nation’s security.

Designed and built entirely in India by Cochin Shipyard Limited, INS Malvan reflects the country’s expanding indigenous shipbuilding capabilities under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The warship is over 80 metres long and has a displacement of more than 1,100 tonnes.

INS Malvan has been specifically designed to operate in shallow coastal waters, where it will undertake anti-submarine warfare operations, maritime surveillance, search and patrol missions, and mine warfare tasks. The vessel is expected to play a vital role in protecting India’s extensive coastline and enhancing maritime security in strategically important waters.

Highlighting the importance of maritime security, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said that amid increasing global uncertainties, safeguarding India’s sea lanes of communication is critical, as maritime trade forms the backbone of the country’s economic growth. Ensuring uninterrupted and secure shipping routes, he noted, is essential for national prosperity and strategic stability.

The induction of INS Malvan marks another important step in strengthening the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities while showcasing India’s growing expertise in indigenous defence technology and shipbuilding.

With advanced anti-submarine capabilities and a focus on coastal defence, the warship is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s preparedness against emerging maritime threats.