Indian Navy to Commission Mangrol, Boosting Coastal Defence

The Indian Navy is set to strengthen its coastal defence capabilities with the commissioning of Mangrol, the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kerala.

The induction marks another step in India’s efforts to counter underwater threats and expand indigenous defence manufacturing.

Designed for operations in shallow and coastal waters, Mangrol will help detect and counter hostile submarines.

It will also strengthen the protection of ports, harbours and coastal approaches. Furthermore, the vessel can coordinate with maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and other warships to improve surveillance and anti-submarine operations.

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

Senior naval officials, defence representatives, veterans and indigenous equipment manufacturers are also expected to attend.

Mangrol incorporates more than 80 per cent indigenous content, highlighting India’s growing expertise in warship construction and defence technology.

Built under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, the vessel reflects the country’s push towards greater self-reliance in naval manufacturing.

Its advanced equipment includes the Abhay hull-mounted sonar, lightweight torpedoes, an indigenous anti-submarine rocket launcher and the Maareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System.

Together, these systems will support underwater detection, threat assessment and defensive operations.

The vessel uses three diesel engines and waterjet propulsion, providing the manoeuvrability required for operations in shallow waters.

Besides anti-submarine warfare, it can undertake underwater surveillance, low-intensity maritime operations and mine warfare-related tasks.

The ship takes its name from Mangrol, a coastal town and fishing harbour in Gujarat’s Junagadh district.

It also carries forward the legacy of the earlier INS Mangrol (M85), a minesweeper that served the Indian Navy until April 2004.

As underwater threats evolve, Mangrol’s induction will strengthen India’s ability to safeguard its coastline and maritime infrastructure.

Moreover, the vessel demonstrates how indigenous shipbuilding can contribute to operational readiness while advancing the country’s long-term defence self-reliance goals.

Image Credit: Trinidade, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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