The Indian Navy has received ‘Malwan’, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), built by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi.
Delivered on March 31, 2026, the vessel is part of a series of eight specialised warships being designed and constructed within the country to meet the Navy’s operational needs.
According to media reports, officials said the induction marks another important step in strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The addition of such vessels is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s capabilities in coastal defence and underwater warfare.
Advanced Features and Operational Capabilities
‘Malwan’ has been designed and built in accordance with naval requirements and international classification standards, with more than 80 per cent indigenous content. This highlights the growing contribution of domestic industries, including MSMEs, in defence production.
The warship measures around 80 metres in length and has a displacement of approximately 1,100 tonnes. It is powered by waterjet propulsion and is equipped with torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, and advanced sensors, including modern radar and sonar systems.
These features enable the vessel to detect, track, and neutralise underwater threats effectively. It can carry out a wide range of operations, including anti-submarine warfare in coastal waters, underwater surveillance, low-intensity maritime missions, and mine warfare, making it a versatile addition to the fleet.
Legacy and Broader Defence Developments
The vessel is named after the historic coastal town of Malwan in Maharashtra, known for its association with the maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The name also continues the legacy of the earlier INS Malwan, a minesweeper that served the Navy until 2003.
The delivery comes amid a broader push to strengthen indigenous defence capabilities. In a parallel development, the Defence Ministry has signed a contract worth around Rs 1,950 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited for the procurement of two mountain radars for the Indian Air Force, further advancing the Make in India programme.
