Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 23: The Indian Navy will commission Mahe, the first vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Monday, officials confirmed. The ceremony will be hosted by Vice-Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, and presided over by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi.
Mahe heralds a new generation of indigenous shallow-water combatants, designed to be fast, stealthy, and highly capable. With over 80% indigenous content, the ship highlights India’s growing expertise in warship design, construction, and system integration under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi, Mahe is intended to operate as a ‘Silent Hunter’ along India’s Western Seaboard, safeguarding maritime frontiers with agility, precision, and endurance. Its capabilities include anti-submarine operations, coastal patrols, and securing vital maritime approaches.
The ship draws its name from the historic Malabar Coast town of Mahe. Its crest, unveiled last week, features the Urumi, a flexible sword associated with Kalaripayattu, symbolizing lethal grace, agility, and precision — a nod to the region’s rich martial heritage.
In parallel, the Indian Navy has begun preparations for Navy Day 2025, set to be celebrated on December 3 at Shangumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram. The event, a day earlier than originally planned, will feature a spectacular operational demonstration showcasing the Navy’s precision, professionalism, and growing maritime capabilities. In recent years, Navy Day demonstrations have been held in Puri (Odisha) and Sindhudurg (Maharashtra).
Mahe’s commissioning and Navy Day celebrations underscore India’s commitment to enhancing indigenous naval power and maritime security.