With 80% Indigenous Content And 1,100 Ton Displacement, 2nd Submarine Hunter Malwan Delivered To Navy

At a time when global maritime routes are under strain due to the ongoing West Asia conflict, the Indian Navy was delivered a critical new asset to its fleet with the induction of Malwan. The indigenously built anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW SWC) not only strengthens coastal defence but also marks a significant leap forward for India’s ‘Make in India’ push.

Malwan is the second vessel in a series of eight ASW Shallow Water Crafts being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). Its delivery comes at a crucial time when tensions around key maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz are impacting global shipping and energy security.

In such a scenario, enhancing underwater surveillance and coastal protection capabilities has become a strategic priority for India. ]Malwan is designed precisely to address these evolving threats in near-shore and littoral environments.

]Malwan: How does it strengthen ‘Make in India’ in defence?

Boasting of over 80% indigenous content, Malwan stands as a strong example of India’s growing self-reliance in defence production. Built entirely in India and aligned with global classification standards set by Norway-based DNV, the vessel reflects the maturity of India’s domestic shipbuilding ecosystem.

The project has also significantly involved MSMEs and local industries, reinforcing the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision while reducing dependence on foreign defence imports.

What are the key capabilities of Malwan?

Measuring about 80 metres in length and displacing nearly 1,100 tonnes, Malwan is purpose-built for operations in shallow coastal waters. It is powered by advanced waterjet propulsion, allowing high maneuverability in constrained maritime environments.

The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art sonar and radar systems, enabling precise detection and tracking of underwater threats. Armed with torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets, it can effectively neutralise hostile submarines operating close to India’s coastline. Beyond anti-submarine warfare, the ship is also capable of underwater surveillance, mine warfare, and low-intensity maritime operations.

Why are shallow water warships crucial in today’s security environment?

Modern conflicts are increasingly extending into maritime domains, with submarines playing a critical role in stealth operations. Shallow waters near coastlines are particularly challenging environments where conventional large warships may struggle to operate effectively.

Malwan and its sister ships are designed to dominate these zones, ensuring that India can detect, deter and respond to underwater threats close to its shores.

Worth mentioning here is that the ongoing conflict in West Asia has highlighted vulnerabilities in global shipping lanes and underwater domains. With increased military activity and risks to commercial vessels, nations are reassessing their maritime security frameworks. India’s induction of specialised platforms like INS Malwan reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding its coastline, ports, and critical sea lines of communication.

What lies ahead for India’s naval modernisation?

Malwan is part of a broader plan to induct eight such vessels, which will collectively enhance the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare grid along the coastline. This aligns with India’s long-term vision of building a modern, self-reliant and technologically advanced naval force.

The ship also carries forward a legacy, named after the historic coastal town of Malwan and an earlier minesweeper that served till 2003, symbolising continuity alongside modernisation.