Context

• Three anti-submarine warfare ships named INS Mahe, INS Malvan, and INS Mangrol for the Indian Navy have been launched recently at Cochin Shipyard premises.

Key Points

• The Mahe class ASW Shallow Water Crafts are named after ports of strategic importance along the coast of India and will strive to carry forward the glorious legacy of the earlier warships that bore the same name.
• The contract for construction of eight ASW SWC ships was signed on 30 Apr 19 between the Ministry of Defence and Cochin Shipyard Limited.
• The Mahe class ships will be equipped with indigenously developed, state-of-the-art underwater sensors and are envisioned for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters as well as low intensity maritime operations (LIMO) and mine laying operations.
• The ASW SWC ships are 78 meters long and have a displacement of approximately 900 tonnes with a maximum speed of 25 knots.
• The simultaneous launch of three ships of the same class highlights the country's progress in indigenous shipbuilding towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
• The first ship of the project is planned to be delivered in 2024.
• The ASW SWC ships will have more than 80 per cent indigenous content, ensuring that large-scale defence production will be undertaken by Indian manufacturing units, thereby increasing employment and affordability within the country.

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR EXAMS

Indian Navy

• Indian Navy Day: 4 December
• Active: Since 26 January 1950
• Headed: By the President of India as Supreme Commander.
• The motto is – ‘Sham No Varunah’ meaning ‘May Varun, the god of water, be auspicious for us.’
• Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral R Hari Kumar.