Karwar, Karnataka: Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh paid tribute to the legacy of the erstwhile INS Malvan while addressing the commissioning ceremony of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) at the Karwar Naval Base.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Air Chief described the induction of the new INS Malvan as a proud moment for the Indian Armed Forces and said the ship would carry forward the rich traditions established by its predecessor.

Carries Forward the Legacy

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh noted that the new Malvan is a state-of-the-art Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, designed to strengthen the Indian Navy’s capability in detecting and neutralising underwater threats in coastal waters.

He recalled that the earlier INS Malvan had served the nation with distinction for decades before being decommissioned in 2003.

“I can see some stalwarts here from that ship, which served the nation with pride for decades until it was decommissioned in 2003. It is a very special experience for me,” he said.

Inspired by India’s Maritime Heritage

The Air Chief also highlighted the historical significance of the ship’s name, stating that ‘Malvan’ draws inspiration from India’s rich maritime history during the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who is widely regarded as the founder of a strong indigenous naval force.

He said the history behind the vessel’s name reflects India’s enduring maritime traditions and naval legacy.

Boost to Coastal Defence

The Mahe-class ASW Shallow Water Craft is designed to enhance the Indian Navy’s capability to:

  • Detect and track enemy submarines.
  • Conduct anti-submarine warfare operations in coastal waters.
  • Undertake maritime surveillance.
  • Escort naval assets.
  • Carry out search and rescue missions.
  • Perform low-intensity maritime security operations.

The induction of these vessels is expected to significantly strengthen India’s coastal defence architecture.

Strengthening Indigenous Naval Capability

The commissioning of the Mahe-class vessels forms part of India’s drive towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing, with the warships being built using a high level of indigenous technology and equipment.

The ceremony at Karwar Naval Base marked another milestone in the Indian Navy’s modernisation programme aimed at enhancing underwater warfare capabilities and safeguarding India’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region.