Prashnavachak News
A significant milestone was achieved on 29 May 2025 with the keel laying of the eighth and final ship (BY 530) of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) project at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). The ceremony, attended by Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Chief of Warship Production & Acquisition, along with senior Indian Navy and CSL officials, marks steady progress in this critical indigenous shipbuilding venture. Known as the ‘Mahe’ class, these eight state-of-the-art vessels are designed to strengthen the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine-laying capabilities. With over 80% indigenous content, the project is a shining example of the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, showcasing cutting-edge underwater sensor technology developed in India. Awarded to CSL by the Ministry of Defence in April 2019, the project is on track with all ships in advanced stages of production. Deliveries are scheduled between August 2025 and June 2028, promising to significantly enhance India’s maritime defense capabilities and secure its strategic interests in shallow water operations. This achievement not only reinforces India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing but also reflects the nation’s commitment to modernizing its naval forces with cutting-edge indigenous technology.
