KOCHI, KERALA — In a major push to India’s littoral combat capabilities and domestic warship manufacturing, the Indian Navy launched Machilipatnam (Yard BY 529), the seventh of eight Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on Wednesday.
The warship was formally launched by Mrs. Goolrukh Anand in the presence of Vice Admiral Atul Anand, Additional Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs, alongside senior naval officers, CSL executives, and distinguished guests.
Named after the historic port city in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh—renowned for its maritime heritage and trade along India’s eastern seaboard—Machilipatnam embodies both cultural legacy and modern sub-surface deterrence.
Designed specifically to operate in shallow coastal waters, the vessel is equipped for advanced underwater surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) missions, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and mine warfare capabilities. Once commissioned, it will significantly bolster coastal defense and strengthen Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) across the Indian Ocean Region.
The launch underscores India’s growing defence self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. With an indigenous content exceeding 80 percent, the project showcases the expanding expertise of India’s domestic shipbuilding industry and reinforces the Indian Navy’s operational readiness in safeguarding national maritime interests.
, its 7th Mahe-class ASW shallow water craft built by Cochin Shipyard with over 80% indigenous content.){kind=link}