Cochin Shipyard Launches Seventh Anti-Submarine Vessel for Indian Navy

Cochin Shipyard Limited launched the Machilipatnam on July 29, 2026, marking the seventh of eight Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow watercraft being constructed for the Indian Navy. The vessel, designated Yard BY 529, is designed for coastal anti-submarine operations, low-intensity maritime activities, mine warfare, and subsurface surveillance to improve maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean Region.

The ship measures 78 meters in length and 11.36 meters in width, with a displacement of approximately 900 tonnes and a maximum speed of 25 knots. In accordance with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat policy for defense self-reliance, the vessel features over 80 percent indigenous content, including indigenously developed low-frequency variable depth and hull-mounted sonars.

Goolrukh Anand performed the launch ceremony in the presence of Vice Admiral Atul Anand, Additional Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs, and Cochin Shipyard Chairman and Managing Director Jose V.J. This launch follows the recent commissioning of the second vessel in the class, the Malvan, which was presided over by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.