The Indian Navy on Tuesday received ‘Malwan’, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi. The delivery marks a significant step in strengthening India’s coastal defence and surveillance capabilities.
Designed and constructed indigenously by CSL as per the Indian Navy’s specifications and in compliance with DNV classification standards, ‘Malwan’ is part of a series of eight ASW SWCs being built to enhance the Navy’s operational readiness in shallow waters.
According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the warship derives its name from Malwan, a historic coastal town associated with the maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The name also carries forward the legacy of the earlier INS Malwan, a minesweeper that served the Navy until 2003, reflecting the long-standing tradition of preserving distinguished naval names.
Measuring around 80 metres in length and with a displacement of about 1,100 tonnes, ‘Malwan’ is equipped with waterjet propulsion and advanced combat systems. The vessel is designed to undertake underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare operations in coastal regions, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine warfare.
The ship is armed with torpedoes, multi-functional anti-submarine rockets, and fitted with modern sensors, including advanced radar and sonar systems, enhancing its capability to detect and neutralize underwater threats.
“With over 80% indigenous content, Malwan marks another milestone in indigenous warship construction and reaffirms the Government of India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The ship proudly carries equipment and systems developed and integrated onboard by the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, including MSMEs,” the MoD said.
