INS Malwan delivered: Features of navy’s ASW shallow water craft key to coastal defence

India took delivery of ‘Malwan’, the second of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water vehicles (ASW SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi, on March 31, 2026, marking another step in strengthening indigenous naval capabilities. Designed and built in India to marine specifications and in accordance with DNV classification rules, the ship underlines the country’s drive for self-sufficiency with more than 80% indigenous content.

These ships are compact yet powerful platforms designed to detect, track and neutralize underwater threats near India’s coastline. ‘Malwan’ is the second ship in a series of eight ships planned under a Ministry of Defense-approved program aimed at replacing obsolete Abhay-class corvettes and modernizing the naval fleet.

Named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Named after the historic coastal town of Malwan in Maharashtra and associated with the maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the ship also bears the lineage of the former INS Malwan, a minesweeper that served until 2003.

Main features and technical specifications of Malwan

‘Malwan’ is equipped with advanced systems to operate effectively in shallow waters:

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• Length: About 80 meters
• Displacement: Approximately 1,100 tons
• Propulsion: Water jet system for high agility
• Weapons: Light torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets
• Sensors: Advanced sonar systems and radars
• Operations: Anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare and surveillance

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Operational roles and capabilities

Designed for coastal or littoral areas where larger warships are less effective, these ships act as the first line of defense against submarine threats close to India’s coast. Improved sonar and sensor packages significantly improve underwater surveillance and tracking of enemy submarines.

Multi-role flexibility and future-proofing

Beyond anti-submarine warfare, ‘Malwan’ can undertake mine-laying, low-intensity maritime operations and coastal patrol missions. As maritime conflicts become increasingly multi-domain, such platforms are critical to future-proofing.

Part of a larger maritime program

‘Malwan’ follows INS Mahe, which was delivered in October 2025 as part of a series of eight ships that includes Mahe, Malwan, Mangrol, Malpe, Mulki, Munroe, Makkah and Mandavi. This fleet is expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s coastal defense network.

Increasing naval readiness

‘The commissioning of Malwan will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine, coastal surveillance and mine-laying capabilities and strengthen maritime security along the country’s coastline.