Indian Navy Bolsters Coastal Defense with Delivery of Third ASW Shallow Water Craft ‘Mangrol’

KOCHI, India – In a significant stride toward enhancing India’s maritime security and self-reliance, the Indian Navy officially took delivery of Mangrol on August 21, 2026. The vessel is the third of eight indigenously designed and constructed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWCs) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).

The delivery marks another major milestone in the nation’s "Aatma Nirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) initiative, showcasing the growing prowess of India’s domestic defense manufacturing sector.

A Formal Milestone

The official Delivery Protocol was signed at the CSL facility in Kochi by Dr. Harikrishnan S, Director (Operations) of CSL, and Commander U Sharan Kumar, the vessel’s Commanding Officer (Designate). The ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including CSL Chairman and Managing Director Shri Jose VJ, senior Indian Navy officials, and representatives from the Warship Production Superintendent (WPS) office.

Advanced Capabilities for Shallow Waters

Named after the historic and strategically vital coastal township of Mangrol in Gujarat, the vessel is engineered to excel in complex maritime environments. Built in accordance with the stringent classification rules of Det Norske Veritas (DNV), the ship is a versatile platform designed for a variety of missions, ranging from underwater surveillance and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations to Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).

The Mangrol is specifically optimized for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) in coastal waters, featuring a potent combination of advanced weaponry and sensor suites. Its arsenal includes lightweight torpedoes, indigenous ASW rockets, and state-of-the-art shallow-water sonars, which allow the vessel to effectively detect, track, and neutralize underwater threats. Furthermore, the ship is equipped with mine-laying capabilities, enhancing its utility in securing littoral zones.

Powered by a high-performance Diesel Engine–Waterjet Propulsion system, the craft offers the speed and agility necessary for rapid response in shallow coastal reaches.

A Testament to ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’

The induction of the Mangrol is set to provide a substantial boost to the Indian Navy’s coastal defense grid. With an indigenous content level of approximately 80%, the project underscores the success of India’s push to reduce dependence on foreign military technology.

By integrating locally developed systems with advanced naval architecture, the ASW SWCs program serves as a clear demonstration of the nation’s expanding capabilities in warship design, construction, and cutting-edge defense technology. As the Indian Navy continues to modernize its fleet, vessels like the Mangrol are expected to play a pivotal role in maintaining maritime dominance in India’s strategic territorial waters.