In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Mahe. It is the first of the eight Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi was the chief guest at the commissioning of INS Mahe. The move marked the new generation of indigenous shallow-water combatants - sleek, swift and resolutely Indian.
“As INS Mahe hoists the ensign today, she carries not just the hopes of the Navy but the collective faith of a nation that stands behind her. May her voyages be safe, her missions successful, and her crew steadfast in the service of India. I wish the commanding officer, officers and all hands fair winds, following seas and fathoms below keel in every mission ahead,” said Dwivedi.
INS Mahe was delivered to the Indian Navy on October 23.
Power of INS Mahe
INS Mahe is named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast. Its crest features the Urumi, a flexible sword from Kalarippayattu, symbolising agility, precision, and fluid lethality.
With over 80% indigenous content, the Mahe showcases India’s growing mastery in warship construction and integration. She will serve as a ‘Silent Hunter’ on the Western Seaboard.
Key features
Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, INS Mahe measures 78 metres in length, displaces about 1,100 tonnes, has an 11-metre beam, and carries a crew of roughly 60.
It has a twin-shaft diesel propulsion generating over 6 MW of power and this gives it a top speed of 25 knots, a range of 1,800 nautical miles at 14 knots, and an endurance of 14 days.
The key indigenous elements in Mahi include propulsion and power management systems, integrated combat management suite, medium-frequency hull-mounted sonar, multi-function surveillance radar, torpedo and ASW rocket systems.
Why is INS Mahe important?
Once fully inducted, the Mahe-class will replace the Navy’s older Abhay-class corvettes. INS Mahe will strengthen the anti-submarine warfare grid along the coastline and improve tracking of underwater threats in the littoral zone. It will also enhance monitoring of diesel-electric submarines operating in the Indian Ocean.
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