Navy launches shallow craft ASW Machilipatnam at Cochin Shipyard

In this photo taken on July 29, 2026, the seventh Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare vessel (ASW SWC), Machilipatnam (BY 529), built by Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Indian Navy, during a launch ceremony at Cochin Shipyard in Kochi. Image: PRO Indian Navy via PTI photo

The Navy on Wednesday (July 29, 2026) launched Machilipatnam (BY 529), the seventh of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Vessels (ASW SWCs) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), marking another major milestone in India’s indigenous warship building programme.

The vessel was launched by Ms Goolrukh Anand in the presence of Additional Secretary, Ministry of Military Affairs, the Navy said. The ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Navy, Cochin Shipyard Limited and other distinguished guests.

Named after the historic port town of Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district, the warship reflects the city’s rich maritime heritage and its historical role as a prosperous trading center on India’s east coast. The Navy said the vessel embodies the spirit and legacy of Machilipatnam while reinforcing its commitment to protect the country’s maritime interests.

Designed for a range of littoral and littoral operations, the ship is equipped to conduct underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare missions, low-intensity maritime operations and mine warfare tasks. Once operational, it will enhance the Navy’s coastal defense capabilities and significantly increase maritime domain awareness.

The Navy said the launch marked another key milestone in the implementation of the ASW SWC project, aimed at enhancing anti-submarine warfare capability through indigenous platforms.

With more than 80% indigenous content, the project underlines the growing capabilities of the Indian shipbuilding industry and supports the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defense manufacturing.

The new class of vessels is expected to substantially improve the Navy’s operational readiness and its ability to protect India’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean region.

Published – 29 Jul 2026 22:16 IST