Indian Navy Receives Mahe Warship: Features and Importance

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has delivered the indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) 'Mahe' to the Indian Navy. This is the first ship of the series of eight ASW SWCs.

According to CSL, the acceptance letter was signed by Dr. S. Harikrishnan, Director (Operations) of Cochin Shipyard Limited, and Commander Amit Chandra Chaube, the Commanding Officer (Designate) of Mahe.

The 78-meter-long ship is powered by a diesel engine-waterjet combination and is the largest Indian naval warship of its type. Over 90% of its materials are indigenously sourced.

Enhancing Anti-Submarine Capabilities

The Mahe is designed for underwater surveillance, search and rescue operations, and low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO). It features ASW rockets and mine-laying capabilities, strengthening coastal anti-submarine power.

The delivery of Mahe marks another milestone in the Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding efforts and the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

Defense Procurement Reforms

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh recently released a new procurement manual for the armed forces to simplify and streamline revenue procurement. The Defense Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 will be effective from 1 November. It is expected to facilitate nearly ₹1 lakh crore in revenue procurement for the three services and other establishments under the Ministry of Defense.

The new manual aims to simplify procedures, bring uniformity, and ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability. It will also support MSMEs and startups in defense manufacturing and technology.

Some key provisions have been relaxed, including delay compensation (LD). Only in cases of significant delays will a maximum of 10% LD be applicable. For indigenization, LD has been reduced from 0.5% per week to 0.1% per week in relevant cases.