Context: Recently, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) launched the first three vessels of the Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts for the Indian Navy.

INS Mahe, INS Malva, and INS Mangrol: Three Anti Submarine Warfare Ships

• Three vessels named INS Mahe, INS Malva, and INS Mangrol are of an eight-part series of Anti Submarine Warfare ships shallow water crafts for the Indian Navy replacing the existing Abhay class ASW Corvettes. 
• The first ship in the series is scheduled for delivery by November 2024.
• Significance: It showcased India’s achievements in indigenization and self-reliance in shipbuilding, portraying the country’s growing naval capabilities.

About Anti­ submarine Warfare ships:

• • Anti submarine warfare ships encompasses tactics and strategies involving surface warships, aircraft, submarines, and other platforms to detect, track, and prevent enemy submarines from engaging in hostile activities. 

• Objectives

• • • ASW operations are focused on locating, monitoring, deterring, damaging, or eliminating hostile submarines to ensure maritime security and protect vital naval assets.
    • They will handle anti-submarine operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and Mine Laying Operations in coastal waters.

• Vessel Specifications

• • • Length and Width: The vessels are 78.0 m long, 11.36 m wide with a draught of about 2.7 m. 
    • Displacement: The displacement is about 896 tonnes, with a maximum speed of 25 knots and endurance of 1800 nautical miles. 

• Capabilities

• • ASW ships are outfitted with an array of weaponry, such as light-weight torpedoes, ASW rockets, mines, a 30mm close-in weapon system, and stabilized 12.7mm remote control guns.

Source: The Hindu