Malpe and Mulki, fourth and fifth ships of the Eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft project, being built by M/s Cochin Shipyard Ltd, for the Indian Navy, were launched on Sept 9 at CSL, Kochi.

In keeping with the maritime traditions, the two ships were launched by Vijaya Srinivas in the presence of VAdm V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command.

The Mahe class ASW Shallow Water Crafts have been named after ports of strategic importance along the coast of India, and will look to carry forward the glorious legacy of the erstwhile minesweepers which were their namesake.

"The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between the Ministry of Defence and CSL on 30 Apr 19," read a statement issued by the Indian government.

The Mahe class of ships will be equipped with indigenously developed, state-of-the-art underwater sensors, and are envisaged to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters as well as Low Intensity Maritime Operations and Mine Laying Operations. The ASW SWC ships can achieve a maximum speed of 25 knots with endurance of up to 1800 nautical miles.

Simultaneous launch of these ships highlights India's strides in indigenous shipbuilding, towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The ASW SWC ships will have over 80% indigenous content, thereby ensuring that large scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units, generating employment and capability enhancement within the country.