CSL hands over second anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft to Navy

Kochi: In a significant boost to India's coastal defence capabilities, Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) delivered ‘Malwan', the second of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Watercrafts (ASW SWC) to Indian Navy."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 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 Navy's tradition of honouring its distinguished past while sailing into a technologically advanced future. Designed and constructed entirely by CSL in accordance with Indian Navy's specifications and DNV Classification Rules, Malwan is a formidable addition to the fleet. 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 govt's ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) vision. The vessel incorporates complex systems developed and integrated by the domestic defence ecosystem, including several micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Beyond traditional anti-submarine warfare, the craft is optimised for low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO) and mine warfare.