3 weeks ago
India launches Machilipatnam, seventh Mahe-class anti-submarine craft
The Indian Navy has a new ship called Machilipatnam.
It is a special kind of warship that hunts for submarines hiding in shallow water near the coast.
The ship can listen underwater, find mines, and help keep India's beaches, ports and ships safe.
It was launched on July 29, 2026, at a shipyard called Cochin Shipyard Limited.
This ship is the seventh of eight ships in its class, called the Mahe class.
Most of the ship, more than 80 percent, was built in India using Indian parts and ideas.
That is part of a plan called Aatmanirbhar Bharat, which means 'self-reliant India'.
The ship is named after an old port city called Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
It can travel up to 1,800 nautical miles and reach a top speed of 25 knots.
With new ships like this, the Indian Navy can better protect the seas near India.
The Indian Navy launched Machilipatnam (BY 529), the seventh of eight Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at Cochin Shipyard Limited on July 29, 2026.
Machilipatnam is designed for underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, low-intensity maritime operations and mine warfare.
Built with over 80% indigenous content, the vessel reflects India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' defence manufacturing initiative.
The shallow-draft craft has a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 1,800 nautical miles, allowing it to operate close to shore and complement larger warships.
Vice Admiral Atul Anand, Additional Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, attended the launch; the second Mahe-class craft, INS Malvan, was commissioned at Karwar on July 22.
- Who
- The Indian Navy, builder Cochin Shipyard Limited, and Vice Admiral Atul Anand, Additional Secretary, Department of Military Affairs.
- What
- The launch of Machilipatnam (BY 529), the seventh of eight Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft.
- Where
- Cochin Shipyard Limited, India.
- When
- July 29, 2026.
- Why
- To strengthen coastal defence and maritime domain awareness by detecting and responding to submarine and low-intensity maritime threats in India's littoral waters and the Indian Ocean Region.
Key facts
- Vessel
- Machilipatnam (BY 529)
- Class / Programme
- Mahe-class ASW Shallow Water Craft, 7th of 8
- Builder
- Cochin Shipyard Limited
- Launch date
- July 29, 2026
- Role
- Underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare, low-intensity maritime operations
- Top speed
- 25 knots
- Range
- 1,800 nautical miles
- Indigenous content
- Over 80%
Sources
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