On January 29, 2025, the keel laying of the seventh ship (BY 529, Machilipatnam) for the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) project took place at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). The ceremony was attended by Rear Admiral Upal Kundu, Chief of Staff of the Southern Naval Command, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy and CSL.
This event follows the keel laying of the sixth ship in December 2024 and the launch of the fourth and fifth ships at CSL in September 2024. The fast progress of the project highlights the efforts of Indian shipyards to meet the growing needs of the Indian Navy.
The ships, part of the 'Mahe' class, are being built under a contract signed with CSL by the Ministry of Defence in April 2019. These ships will be equipped with advanced, indigenously developed underwater sensors, designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters. They will also carry out Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and Mine Laying Operations.
The first ship of the project is expected to be delivered in early 2025. These ships will strengthen the Indian Navy’s ability to combat submarines and also support India’s 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) mission. The project is boosting the use of Indian-made materials and creating jobs, while also improving the skills of local manufacturing industries.
The progress of this project showcases India’s growing ability to develop and build its own defense equipment. (PR)