Neha BaruahThe Indian Navy has recently enhanced its naval fleet with the launch of two new ships, Malpe and Mulki. These vessels represent the fourth and fifth additions to a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Crafts (SWC). The launch event, held at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) in Kochi, marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
A Significant Milestone in Ship Launching
The ceremony for the launch of Malpe and Mulki was carried out following traditional maritime customs by Mrs. Vijaya Srinivas. The event also saw the presence of Vice Admiral V Srinivas, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, who is responsible for overseeing naval operations in Southern India.
These new additions, belonging to the Mahe class of ships, are named after prominent coastal ports in India, continuing the legacy of older minesweepers that safeguarded India’s maritime boundaries. As part of India’s ongoing naval modernization program, these ships are designed to address potential underwater threats, particularly from submarines.
The Contract and Its Strategic Importance
The journey to build these state-of-the-art ships began with a contract signed on April 30, 2019, between the Ministry of Defence and Cochin Shipyard Ltd. This initiative is a critical component of India’s broader strategy to enhance indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, in line with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) vision.
Cutting-Edge Technological Capabilities
Equipped with sophisticated technology, most of which is developed domestically, the Malpe and Mulki ships are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, especially in shallow coastal waters. They feature advanced underwater sensors that provide superior submarine detection capabilities. In addition to their primary role in anti-submarine operations, these ships are versatile enough to perform mine-laying and manage various low-intensity maritime tasks.
With a top speed of 25 knots and an operational range of up to 1,800 nautical miles, these ASW SWC ships are well-suited for coastal defense missions. They can patrol extensive stretches of India’s coastline without the need for frequent refueling or resupply, significantly enhancing the Navy’s operational endurance.
A Testament to India’s Indigenous Defense Manufacturing
More than 80% of the components and technologies used in constructing these ships are sourced from within India. This not only reflects the country’s commitment to becoming self-sufficient in defense production but also supports job creation and technological innovation within the country. The development of these ships aligns perfectly with India’s goal of building a robust, self-reliant defense industry.
Neha Baruah
