Indian Navy to Commission Third Anti-Submarine Warfare Vessel
Mangrol, the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), is set to officially join the Indian Navy on 12 October 2026. The commissioning ceremony will take place at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. This significant event will also see the attendance of senior naval and defense officials, representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Cochin Shipyard Limited, veterans, and stakeholders from indigenous weapons and sensor manufacturers.
The vessel is named after Mangrol, a coastal town renowned for its fishing harbor located in Gujarat’s Junagadh district. This naming honors the legacy of the previous INS Mangrol (M85), a minesweeper that loyally served the Indian Navy until April 7, 2004. The tradition of naming warships after former vessels is a testament to the Navy’s commitment to preserving its storied history.
Constructed with over 80% indigenous material, Mangrol emphasizes India’s growing expertise in warship design, construction, and the integration of cutting-edge weapons and sensors. This project aligns with the Indian government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, marking a pivotal advancement towards self-reliance in defense shipbuilding.
Designed to detect and neutralize underwater threats in coastal and shallow waters, Mangrol is outfitted with advanced technology, including the Abhay Hull-Mounted Sonar, lightweight torpedoes, an indigenous anti-submarine rocket launcher, and the Maareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System. The ship, powered by three diesel engines with waterjet propulsion, boasts excellent maneuverability essential for operations in confined waters. Its capabilities extend to underwater surveillance, Low-Intensity Maritime Operations, and mine warfare.
The induction of Mangrol into the Indian Navy significantly bolsters its anti-submarine warfare capabilities, especially in coastal regions where larger vessels may encounter operational challenges. This advanced craft will complement maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and other naval assets in detecting and neutralizing submarine threats. The addition of Mangrol will enhance the Navy’s ability to safeguard ports, harbors, and coastal approaches, while also supporting broader fleet missions.
In an era marked by increasing underwater threats and a dynamic maritime security landscape, the commissioning of Mangrol stands as a crucial milestone in fortifying the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare strength. The vessel’s integration further highlights the nation’s rising indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and reinforces the Navy’s unwavering dedication to operational readiness and self-sufficiency.
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