India Commissions INS Malvan, Bolstering Anti-Submarine Fleet in Indian Ocean

The Indian Navy on Wednesday commissioned INS Malvan, a newly built shallow-water anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ship, at a ceremony in Mumbai. The vessel is designed specifically to hunt submarines in coastal and shallow waters — a domain where traditional deep-water warships struggle to operate.

Defence officials described the induction as a significant step in countering the growing underwater threat from China in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The commissioning also underscores the Navy's push for indigenous manufacturing under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

Why Shallow-Water Hunters Matter

INS Malvan belongs to a class of specialised ASW vessels built for operations in waters less than 100 metres deep. Most conventional submarines are harder to detect in these zones because of background noise, uneven seabeds and heavy commercial traffic.

China has been steadily increasing its submarine deployments in the IOR, including nuclear-powered vessels. The Indian Navy's existing anti-submarine fleet is primarily geared for blue-water operations, leaving a gap in littoral defence. INS Malvan is meant to plug that gap.

The ship is equipped with advanced sonars, lightweight torpedoes and rocket launchers. It can also carry a helicopter for extended surveillance.

Indigenous Design and Construction

The warship was built by an Indian shipyard as part of a larger project to replace older ASW corvettes. Officials said the design incorporates lessons from decades of coastal patrol experience.

Speaking at the commissioning, senior Navy officers highlighted that the project achieved over 80% indigenous content. This includes the hull, propulsion systems and combat management suite. The Navy has ordered multiple vessels in this class, with more expected to enter service over the next two years.

INS Malvan will be based on the western seaboard, where it will conduct patrols, escort duties and surveillance missions.

Air Force Chief Draws Lesson From Navy's Approach

At a separate event, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh referenced the Navy's indigenous warship programme as a model for the Indian Air Force. He said the IAF could learn from the Navy's consistent push for self-reliance in shipbuilding.

“Tech delayed is tech denied,” the Air Chief Marshal said, according to reports. He stressed that future wars cannot be fought by individual services in isolation, and that jointness in procurement and operations is essential.

His remarks come as the IAF faces delays in several indigenous fighter and helicopter programmes. The Navy's track record on domestic shipbuilding is often cited as a benchmark within the defence establishment.

Strategic Context in the Indian Ocean

The commissioning of INS Malvan takes place against a backdrop of heightened naval competition in the IOR. China has been expanding its naval footprint from the South China Sea to the African coast, with a growing number of submarine patrols.

India has responded by strengthening its own underwater surveillance network and inducting more ASW assets. The Navy has also increased joint exercises with Quad partners to track submarines in real time.

INS Malvan is not a large warship, but its specialised role makes it a critical piece in the anti-submarine puzzle. In shallow waters, a single such vessel can deny an entire area to enemy submarines.

The Indian Navy is expected to commission two more shallow-water ASW ships within the next 18 months, further thickening its coastal defence grid. For now, INS Malvan will begin sea trials and operational workups before being declared fully combat-ready later this year.