Indian Navy Launches Indigenous ASW Vessel ‘Machilipatnam’

New Delhi, July 30,2026 Strengthening India's maritime security and advancing indigenous defence manufacturing, the Indian Navy has launched Machilipatnam (BY 529), the seventh of eight Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. The launch marks another key milestone in the Navy’s ongoing efforts to enhance coastal defence capabilities while promoting self-reliance through the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The vessel was launched at Cochin Shipyard by Goolrukh Anand in the presence of Vice Admiral Atul Anand, Additional Secretary, Department of Military Affairs. Senior officials from the Indian Navy, Cochin Shipyard Limited and other dignitaries also attended the ceremony. Named after the historic port city of Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district, the ship recognises the city's long-standing maritime heritage and its significance as an important trading centre along India’s eastern coast. According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the vessel has been designed for underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO) and mine warfare missions. Once commissioned, it is expected to strengthen India's coastal defence network and improve maritime domain awareness. Built with more than 80 per cent indigenous content, the project reflects the country's growing capabilities in domestic defence production and advanced naval shipbuilding. The Ministry of Defence said the induction of the Mahe-class vessels will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and reinforce maritime security across the Indian Ocean Region. The programme is expected to further strengthen India's ability to detect and counter underwater threats while safeguarding its strategic maritime interests, underscoring the steady progress of the country's indigenous naval modernisation.