Indigenous Naval Power Boost With Malwan ASW Craft

Why in the News ?

The Indian Navy has inducted Malwan, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. The development highlights India’s push for indigenisation, enhanced coastal security, and strengthening of anti-submarine warfare capabilities amid rising maritime challenges.

Key Features of Malwan ASW Craft:

• Malwan is the second ASW-SWC inducted into the Indian Navy, marking progress in indigenous defence production.
• It is an 80-metre-long vessel with a displacement of over 1,100 tonnes, designed for shallow water operations.
• Equipped with advanced underwater surveillance systems, it enhances the Navy’s ability to detect enemy submarines.
• Features waterjet propulsion, ensuring better maneuverability in coastal and littoral zones.
• Integrated with modern radars, sonar systems, torpedoes, and anti-submarine rockets for effective combat operations.

Strategic Importance and Operational Role

• Strengthens India’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities, crucial amid increasing submarine presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Designed for coastal defence, protecting critical maritime infrastructure and sea lanes within the coastal regulation zone.
• Capable of low-intensity maritime operations and mine warfare, expanding operational versatility.
• Enhances maritime domain awareness, especially in shallow waters where large warships face limitations.
• Supports India’s broader goal of self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in defence manufacturing.

About ASW-SWC Programme & Naval Modernisation: ●  The ASW Shallow Water Craft programme aims to strengthen India’s near-shore defence capabilities. ●  Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a key public sector shipbuilder under the Ministry of Defence, with necessary environmental clearances for shipyard operations. ●  Complies with international classification standards such as DNV (Det Norske Veritas). ●  Named after Malwan, a historic coastal town linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s naval legacy. ●  Part of India’s ongoing naval modernisation, complementing assets like corvettes, destroyers, and submarines for layered maritime security.