India's new Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) 'Malpe and Mulki'

Launch of Malpe and Mulki

• On September 9, 2024, the Indian Navy launched two new Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft (SWC) named Malpe and Mulki.
• These are the fourth and fifth ships of the Eight ASW SWC project being built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) for the Indian Navy.
• The launch ceremony took place at CSL in Kochi, following maritime traditions.
• Mrs. Vijaya Srinivas launched the ships in the presence of Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command.
• The ships are part of the Mahe class, named after strategically important ports along India's coast.
• This project continues the legacy of erstwhile minesweepers that previously served in similar roles.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

• The ASW SWC ships are equipped with indigenously developed, state-of-the-art underwater sensors.
• They are designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine-laying operations.
• The ships can achieve a maximum speed of 25 knots.
• They have an endurance of up to 1,800 nautical miles, allowing for extended coastal patrols.
• The vessels measure 78 meters in length and displace around 900 tons.
• Over 80% of the ships' content is indigenous, showcasing India's growing expertise in defense manufacturing.
• The advanced capabilities of these ships significantly improve India's shallow water anti-submarine warfare capacity.

Project Background and Significance

• The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between the Ministry of Defence and CSL on April 30, 2019.
• The project is split between CSL and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, with each yard responsible for four ships.
• Originally scheduled to begin delivery in October 2022, the project faced delays but is now showing progress.
• This initiative is part of India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) drive, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign defense imports.
• The high percentage of indigenous content supports local manufacturing, job creation, and capability enhancement within India.
• The simultaneous launch of two ships highlights India's growing prowess in indigenous shipbuilding.
• This project aligns with India's broader goals of modernizing its navy and improving its defense capabilities.

Broader Context of India's Naval and Defense Strategy

• The launch of Malpe and Mulki is part of a larger effort to improve India's coastal defense strategy.
• On the same day as the launch, India unveiled its Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations during a Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) meeting.
• The new doctrine provides guidance for conducting amphibious operations in complex military environments.
• These developments reflect India's focus on enhancing its overall military readiness in various operational areas.
• The ASW SWC project demonstrates India's commitment to building a self-sufficient defense sector while boosting naval capabilities.
• By investing in such projects, India aims to become a more self-reliant and capable global power in defense production and maritime security.
• The naming tradition of these ships, after important coastal ports, reinforces the connection between India's naval forces and its maritime heritage.