Overview
The Ministry of Defence announced that the Indian Navy took delivery of ‘Malwan’ on 31 March 2026. This vessel is the second of eight ASW SWC built by CSL, Kochi. The craft embodies India’s push for indigenous defence production under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Key Developments
- Delivery of ‘Malwan’, the second ASW SWC, to the Indian Navy.
- Indigenous design and construction adhering to DNV classification.
- Naming after the historic coastal town of Malwan, continuing the legacy of the former INS Malwan minesweeper.
- Equipped for underwater surveillance, anti‑submarine warfare, LIMO, and mine warfare.
- Achieves over 80% indigenous content, with major systems supplied by domestic defence manufacturers and MSMEs.
Important Facts
- Length: approximately 80 metres; Displacement: 1,100 tonnes.
- Propulsion: water‑jet driven, providing high manoeuvrability in shallow waters.
- Armament: torpedoes, multifunctional anti‑submarine rockets, advanced radar and sonar suites.
- Role: coastal anti‑submarine patrols, surveillance, mine counter‑measure, and limited combat operations.
UPSC Relevance
The induction of ‘Malwan’ illustrates several themes that frequently appear in the UPSC syllabus:
- Defence Production & Self‑Reliance: D