The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mangrol, its third anti-submarine warfare shallow-water craft (ASW-SWC), on Monday. The induction will strengthen the Navy’s ability to detect and counter submarine threats in coastal waters, where larger warships face operational limitations.

Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi, the vessel can operate alongside maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and other warships to detect underwater threats. It will help protect ports, harbours and coastal approaches while supporting wider fleet operations.

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

Named after Mangrol, a coastal town and prominent fishing harbour in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, the ship carries forward the legacy of the erstwhile INS Mangrol (M85). The earlier vessel was a minesweeper that served the Indian Navy until April 2004. The name continues the Navy’s tradition of preserving the legacy of its former warships.

According to the Navy, INS Mangrol features over 80 per cent indigenous content. Its construction reflects India’s growing capabilities in warship design, manufacturing and the integration of advanced weapons and sensors.

Designed for anti-submarine operations in shallow and coastal waters, the vessel carries modern weapons and sensors. These include the Abhay Hull-Mounted Sonar, lightweight torpedoes, an indigenous anti-submarine rocket launcher and the Maareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System.

The ship runs on three diesel engines with waterjet propulsion, giving it high manoeuvrability in shallow waters. It can also undertake underwater surveillance, low-intensity maritime operations and mine warfare-related tasks.

The commissioning comes amid growing underwater threats and evolving maritime security challenges. INS Mangrol will strengthen the Navy’s coastal defence capabilities and support its efforts to counter submarine threats.