Malpe and Mulki: India’s Latest Indigenous Naval Assets Launched at Cochin Shipyard
In a significant milestone for India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, the fourth and fifth ships of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) project, ‘Malpe’ and ‘Mulki’, were launched simultaneously on September 9, 2024, at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), Kochi.
The launch ceremony was attended by VAdm V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command, and the ships were launched by Mrs Vijaya Srinivas, in accordance with maritime traditions.
The ‘Mahe’ class ASW SWC ships are named after strategically important ports along India’s coast and will carry forward the legacy of their namesake minesweepers. The ships are equipped with state-of-the-art underwater sensors and will undertake anti-submarine operations, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine-laying operations.
With a maximum speed of 25 knots and endurance of up to 1800 nautical miles, these ships demonstrate India’s strides in indigenous shipbuilding, aligning with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision. Notably, the ASW SWC ships have over 80% indigenous content, ensuring large-scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units, generating employment and capability enhancement within the country.
The simultaneous launch of ‘Malpe’ and ‘Mulki’ marks a significant achievement for India’s shipbuilding industry and reinforces the country’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production.
