The two ASW-SWC Malpe (R) and Mulki (L). (Photo: Cochin Shipyard Limited)
New Delhi: The Indian Navy has given a major fillip to the country’s maritime defence prowess by launching two new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) vessels, Malpe and Mulki, at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi, on Monday. These ships are the fourth and fifth in the eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC) project built by the CSL.
Both Malpe and Mulki boast hi-tech indigenously developed underwater sensors for detecting and neutralizing enemy submarines and other undersea threats. These vessels can clock speeds of up to 25 knots and operate for up to 1,800 nautical miles without refuelling. The advanced technology and high indigenous content, exceeding 80 per cent, showcase India’s growing expertise in homegrown defence manufacturing.
Highlights of the Launching ceremony of two no's ASW SWC , BY 526 INS MALPE & BY 527 INS MULKI , Fourth & Fifth in the series of Eight vessel being build at CSL for @indiannavy held at CSL, today. pic.twitter.com/Clw5ZzspZp
— Cochin Shipyard Limited (@cslcochin) September 9, 2024
Named after key ports along India’s western coastline in Karnataka, Malpe and Mulki are engineered to bolster India’s coastal defence and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. They are adept at shallow water operations, low-intensity maritime missions and mine-laying activities.
CSL today witnessed the historical #Launching of two Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow watercraft for @indiannavy named INS MULKI & INS MALPE. The vessels were launched by Smt Vijaya Srinivas, W/o VAdm V Srinivas, AVSM, VSM, FoC INC, South in the presence of @madsnair66 , CMD,CSL. pic.twitter.com/csfz0cOJ0E
— Cochin Shipyard Limited (@cslcochin) September 9, 2024
Senior officials from the defence ministry and the Navy were present in the launch ceremony. Vice Admiral V Srinivas, flag officer commanding in chief of the Southern Naval Command, emphasized the importance of this milestone in India’s defence production. “The launch of Malpe and Mulki marks a significant stride in our journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing,” he remarked.T
he ASW-SWC project is expected to have a positive domino effect on various sectors of the economy. The high indigenous content not only promotes self-reliance but also enhances national manufacturing capabilities and job creation in the defence sector. The defence ministry stressed that this expansion in domestic defence production will boost both local manufacturing and employment opportunities.
These two vessels are expected to strengthen the country’s maritime security and play a vital role in safeguarding India’s coastal waters and enhancing its ASW capabilities.
