Indian Navy Commissions Indigenous ASW Ship INS Malvan in Karwar

The Indian Navy commissioned the INS Malvan, the second of eight Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Kadamba Naval Base in Karwar on July 22, 2026. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi with over 80 percent indigenous content, the 80-meter vessel is the first Indian naval ship to be commissioned at the Karwar base and the seventh warship inducted this year.

Designed for shallow-water surveillance, mine-laying, and neutralizing enemy submarines, the ship features water-jet propulsion to reduce acoustic signatures and three high-speed diesel engines for agility in littoral zones. It is equipped with an RBU-6000 rocket launcher, lightweight torpedo tubes, and anti-submarine mine-laying rails. Commanding Officer Pravin Tiwari stated the vessel's keel was laid in 2023 and delivered to the Navy on March 31, 2026, following rigorous trials.

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh presided over the ceremony, characterizing the induction as a success for the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision of defense self-reliance. Singh emphasized that future wars must be fought by a unified nation rather than individual services and suggested that the aviation sector emulate the Navy's success in indigenous shipbuilding. The induction is part of a broader strategy by the Government of India to enhance maritime security and secure sea lines of communication.