Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy has received ‘Malwan’, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), built by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, marking a step forward in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing push under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.Delivered on March 31, 2026, the vessel is part of a series of eight such specialised warships designed and constructed domestically to meet the Navy’s operational requirements. Officials said the induction strengthens India’s capabilities in coastal defence and underwater warfare.
‘Malwan’ is named after the historic coastal town in Maharashtra, closely associated with the maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The name also continues the legacy of the earlier INS Malwan, a minesweeper that served the Navy till 2003.
The ship has been indigenously designed and built in line with naval specifications and international classification standards. With over 80 per cent indigenous content, it reflects the growing role of domestic industry, including MSMEs, in defence production.Measuring about 80 metres in length and displacing around 1,100 tonnes, the warship is powered by waterjet propulsion. It is equipped with torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, and advanced sensors, including modern radar and sonar systems, enabling it to detect and neutralise underwater threats.The vessel is capable of conducting anti-submarine warfare operations in coastal waters, underwater surveillance, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine warfare missions, making it a versatile addition to the Navy’s fleet.The delivery of ‘Malwan’ comes amid a broader push to boost indigenous defence capabilities. In a parallel development, the defence ministry has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited worth around Rs 1,950 crore for the procurement of two mountain radars for the Indian Air Force, further advancing the Make in India programme.
