India’s maritime defence has received a powerful boost with the commissioning of INS Mangrol, the Indian Navy’s third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC). Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi, the indigenous warship was commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on October 12, 2026.

Designed to detect and counter submarine threats in coastal and shallow waters, INS Mangrol adds a crucial capability to the Navy’s fleet. Its induction also highlights India’s growing ability to design and build sophisticated warships at home.

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.

Packed With Indigenous Technology

With more than 80% indigenous content, INS Mangrol reflects the progress made in India’s domestic shipbuilding and defence technology sectors.

The warship is equipped with an array of modern weapons and sensors designed to identify, track and counter underwater threats. These include the Abhay hull-mounted sonar, lightweight torpedoes, an indigenous anti-submarine rocket launcher and the Maareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System.

The sonar helps detect underwater activity, while the torpedoes and rocket launcher provide anti-submarine capabilities. The Maareech system is designed to protect the vessel against incoming torpedo threats.

Powered by three diesel engines and waterjet propulsion, INS Mangrol offers high manoeuvrability, making it suitable for operations in shallow waters where larger warships may face limitations.

The vessel can also work alongside maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and other warships, strengthening coordinated efforts to monitor underwater activity.

More Than Just Anti-Submarine Warfare

INS Mangrol’s capabilities extend beyond detecting submarines. The vessel is equipped for underwater surveillance, search and rescue operations, low-intensity maritime operations and mine warfare-related tasks, including mine-laying.

Named after the coastal town of Mangrol in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, a prominent fishing harbour, the warship also carries forward the name of an earlier INS Mangrol. The previous vessel, a minesweeper, served the Indian Navy until April 7, 2004.

Strengthening India’s Naval Fleet

Addressing the commissioning ceremony, Vice Admiral Vatsayan highlighted the ship’s indigenous construction as a reflection of India’s engineering capabilities and technological progress. He also noted that ten ships had been commissioned in 2026, with eight more expected to join the Navy soon. By 2034, around 60% of the Navy’s platforms are expected to have an average age of less than ten years.

The commissioning of INS Mangrol marks another step towards a modern, self-reliant Indian Navy, better equipped to safeguard the country’s coastal waters and maritime interests.