SIMULTANEOUS LAUNCH OF ‘MALPE AND MULKI’, FOURTH AND FIFTH SHIPS OF ASW SWC PROJECT

On 09 September 2024, the Indian Navy marked a key achievement in Indigenous ship building by launching Malpe and Mulki, the fourth and fifth ships of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) project. The ships, built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), were launched in Kochi following traditional maritime protocols. Mrs. Vijaya Srinivas had the honor of launching the ships in the presence of Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.

The Mahe class ASW Shallow Water Crafts are named after strategically important ports along India’s coastline. These vessels are designed to uphold the proud legacy of their predecessor minesweepers, continuing their vital role in safeguarding the nation’s coastal waters.

Project Background
The ASW SWC project consists of eight ships, contracted to Cochin Shipyard Ltd under an agreement signed on 30 April 2019. These vessels are specifically designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in shallow coastal waters and are capable of Low-Intensity Maritime Operations and Mine Laying Operations.

Technological Highlights

• Equipped with advanced, indigenously developed underwater sensors.

• Capable of achieving a maximum speed of 25 knots.

• Endurance of up to 1,800 nautical miles.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Action
A standout feature of the ASW SWC ships is their high indigenous content—over 80%—which highlights India’s strides towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This initiative contributes to local employment and strengthens India’s capability in large-scale defense production.

The launch of Malpe and Mulki underscores India’s growing prowess in indigenous shipbuilding and reaffirms the nation’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities through the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.