Why in News?
The Malwan (ASW SWC), also known as INS Malwan, is in the news because it was officially delivered to the Indian Navy on 31 March 2026.
Key Information
- Class & Series: Part of the Mahe-class (or Arnala-class, depending on the builder), it is the second of eight vessels being built by Cochin Shipyard.
- Namesake: Named after the historic coastal town of Malwan in Maharashtra, it carries forward the legacy of the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the erstwhile INS Malwan minesweeper decommissioned in 2003.
- Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), it is the second ship in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC) intended to bolster India's coastal security.
Technical Specifications
- Length & Displacement: Approximately 78–80 metres long with a displacement of around 1,100 tonnes.
- Propulsion: Powered by high-agility waterjet propulsion, allowing for superior manoeuvrability in shallow waters.
- Speed & Range: Capable of a maximum speed of 25 knots (around 46 km/h) and an endurance of 1,800 nautical miles.
Mission Capabilities
- Primary Role: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and subsurface surveillance in littoral waters.
- Secondary Roles: Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), mine laying, and Search and Rescue (SAR).
Armament & Sensors
- Weapons: Equipped with RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers, triple lightweight torpedo launchers, and a 30mm naval surface gun.
- Sensors: Features the DRDO Abhay hull-mounted sonar and low-frequency variable depth sonar (LFVDS).
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