Source: PIB
Context:
INS Mahe, the first Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow watercraft, was commissioned at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. The commissioning was presided over by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, marking the first time an Army chief oversaw a naval warship induction.
What is INS Mahe?
A newly-built ASW Shallow Watercraft designed to enhance India’s coastal and near-shore anti-submarine capabilities.
It is the first ship of the Mahe-class series being inducted into the Navy.
Builder: Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata — one of India’s leading defence shipyards.
Key Features of Mahe-Class ASW Shallow Watercraft
Purpose & Capabilities
- Specially designed for anti-submarine warfare operations in shallow waters (littoral zones).
- Enhances the Navy’s ability to detect, track, and neutralize submarine threats close to the coast.
- Capable of:
- Underwater surveillance
- Coordinated ASW operations with naval aircraft and larger warships
- Search-and-rescue (SAR) missions
- Maritime security and patrol duties
Technical Features
- State-of-the-art sonar suite for sub-surface detection.
- Equipped with:
- ASW rocket launchers
- Close-in weapon systems
- Advanced navigation and communication equipment
- Designed for:
- High maneuverability
- Quick reaction in littoral waters
- Low acoustic signature enhances its stealth capabilities.
