India’s submarine hunting fleet gets stronger with indigenous warship Mangrol

India's submarine-hunting fleet has been bolstered with the induction of the third indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), Mangrol, into the Indian Navy. Delivered on Friday, Mangrol marks a significant step in enhancing the Navy's capabilities to detect and neutralise underwater threats in coastal regions. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the vessel is part of an eight-ship programme aimed at creating a robust network of shallow-water platforms tailored for anti-submarine operations. With over 80 per cent indigenous content, Mangrol represents a milestone in India's efforts to develop advanced naval technology domestically. Mangrol, named after the coastal town of Mangrol in Gujarat's Junagadh district, is one of eight vessels in the Mahe-class ASW-SWC programme. This class of ships is specifically designed for operations in shallow coastal waters, where traditional warships often face challenges due to limited depth and maneuverability. The Mahe-class vessels are 78 metres long and have a displacement ranging between 896 and 1,100 tonnes. They are capable of reaching speeds up to 25 knots and have a range of approximately 1,800 nautical miles at a slower cruising speed of 14 knots. Their endurance allows them to remain operational for up to 14 days, making them suitable for extended missions in littoral zones. A defining characteristic of the Mahe-class is its waterjet propulsion system, which provides superior agility and performance in shallow waters. Each vessel is powered by three marine diesel engines connected to waterjets, which draw water through the hull and expel it at high velocity. This design reduces underwater noise and minimizes the risk of damage from submerged obstacles, offering a tactical advantage during anti-submarine operations. The propulsion system also enhances the ship's ability to navigate complex coastlines and maintain stealth during surveillance missions. Equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, Mangrol is outfitted with a comprehensive anti-submarine warfare arsenal. It features a forward-mounted RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher, 324 mm lightweight torpedo tubes for advanced torpedoes, and mine-laying rails. These systems enable the vessel to detect, track, and engage underwater targets effectively. Additionally, Mangrol includes torpedo decoy mechanisms to protect against incoming threats, ensuring survivability in hostile environments. For surface combat and self-defense, the ship is armed with a 30 mm naval gun and two 12.7 mm remotely controlled cannons, providing layered defense against surface threats and asymmetric attacks. The introduction of Mangrol aligns with the Indian Navy's broader strategy to strengthen its coastal defence capabilities. As part of the ongoing ASW-SWC programmes, the Navy is investing in multiple classes of vessels to cover different operational requirements. While the Mahe-class focuses on shallow-water operations, the parallel Arnala-class programme, led by Garden Reach Shipyard Limited (GRSE) and involving Larsen & Toubro, aims to build similar platforms with variations in design and specifications. Together, these programmes aim to create a versatile fleet capable of addressing a wide array of maritime security challenges. With the addition of Mangrol, the Indian Navy continues to expand its presence in critical coastal areas, reinforcing its commitment to regional security and maritime dominance. The new vessel's capabilities will play a crucial role in safeguarding India's interests in the Arabian Sea and other strategic waterways. Future deliveries of the Mahe-class vessels are expected to further enhance the Navy's capacity to conduct anti-submarine operations, contributing to the nation's overall naval readiness.