Indian Navy Launches Malpe and Mulki: Major Boost to Indigenous Shipbuilding

The Ministry of Defence announced the launch of the Malpe and Mulki, the fourth and fifth vessels in the Eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft project by Cochin Shipyard. These state-of-the-art ships mark a significant milestone in India's defense production and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

The Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday that the Indian Navy has launched the Malpe and Mulki, the fourth and fifth ships of the Eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft project built by Cochin Shipyard. According to the ministry, the ships were launched on Monday in Kochi by Vijaya Srinivas, in the presence of Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command.

'Malpe and Mulki, the fourth and fifth ships of the Eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft project, built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd for the Indian Navy, were launched on September 9, 2024, at CSL, Kochi,' stated the ministry. The launch signifies a major step forward in the Indian Navy's Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft project.

The Mahe class vessels, constructed as part of the eight ASW SWC ships contract signed between the Ministry of Defence and CSL on April 30, 2019, are named after strategically significant ports along India's coastline. These vessels uphold the legacy of their namesake minesweepers.

Equipped with state-of-the-art, indigenously developed underwater sensors, these ASW ships are designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, as well as low intensity maritime and mine-laying operations. They can achieve a top speed of 25 knots and have an endurance of up to 1,800 nautical miles. The simultaneous launch of Malpe and Mulki underscores India's advancements in indigenous shipbuilding, supporting the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

The ministry highlighted that with over 80 per cent indigenous content, the project is expected to bolster domestic defence production, create employment opportunities, and enhance national manufacturing capabilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)