Indian Navy Strengthens Coastal Defense with New INS Malwan Vessel
Indian Navy Strengthens Coastal Defense with New INS Malwan Vessel
On March 31, 2026, the Indian Navy bolstered its maritime capabilities by accepting the INS Malwan, the second of eight new Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC).
Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, this 80-meter vessel represents a major milestone in India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, boasting over 80% indigenous content.
Designed for the challenges of littoral environments, the vessel uses waterjet propulsion for high maneuverability and a reduced acoustic signature, making it ideal for tracking underwater threats in shallow coastal waters.
The INS Malwan replaces the aging Abhay-class corvettes, providing a more modern platform equipped with advanced sensors, lightweight torpedoes, and anti-submarine rockets.
Its name pays homage to the coastal town of Malwan in Maharashtra, a site with deep historical ties to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's maritime legacy.
As submarine activity increases across the Indian Ocean Region, the induction of this specialized craft ensures that the Indian Navy maintains robust surveillance and response capabilities near its shores.
