Cochin Shipyard hands over second anti-submarine watercraft to Navy

Kochi: In a significant boost to India's coastal defence capabilities, Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) on Tuesday delivered to the Indian Navy ‘Malwan', the second of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft (ASW SWC) being constructed by it. "The delivery marks a pivotal step in strengthening the nation's maritime security framework through indigenous innovation," CSL said in a statement. The vessel draws its name from the historic coastal town of Malwan in Maharashtra, a region deeply rooted in the maritime heritage of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Beyond its historical namesake, the ship carries forward the legacy of the erstwhile INS Malwan, a naval minesweeper decommissioned in 2003. The naming convention underscores the Navy's tradition of honouring its distinguished past while sailing into a technologically advanced future. CSL designed and constructed Malwan in accordance with the Navy's specifications and DNV classification rules. Nearly 80m in length with a displacement of 1,100 tonnes, Malwan boasts a high-agility waterjet propulsion for superior manoeuvrability in shallow waters. The anti-submarine is equipped with torpedoes and multifunctional anti-submarine rockets. It has a state-of-the-art surveillance system, integrated with sensors, advanced radars and sophisticated sonar systems. With over 80% indigenous content, Malwan is a shining example of the govt's ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision, the statement added. The vessel incorporates complex systems developed and integrated by the domestic defence ecosystem, including several MSMEs. Beyond traditional anti-submarine warfare, the craft is optimized for low intensity maritime operations (LIMO) and mine warfare, ensuring that India's coastal waters remain secure against evolving underwater threats. The delivery reinforces CSL's position as a premier global shipbuilder and a cornerstone of India's strategic autonomy.