Indian Navy Commissions Third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft Mangrol

The Indian Navy has further strengthened its maritime security framework with the commissioning of its third anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC), named Mangrol. The induction ceremony took place in Mumbai on Monday, presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. This vessel is designed specifically to operate in coastal waters where larger warships often encounter operational constraints.Constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, the ship features over 80 percent indigenous content, highlighting the steady growth of domestic warship design and integration capabilities. The vessel is equipped with advanced sensor and weapon suites, including the Abhay Hull-Mounted Sonar, lightweight torpedoes, an indigenous anti-submarine rocket launcher, and the Maareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System. Powered by three diesel engines with waterjet propulsion, the ship provides the high manoeuvrability necessary for navigating and conducting operations in shallow water environments.The craft is intended to function in coordination with maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and other surface assets to identify and neutralise submarine threats. Beyond its primary anti-submarine role, the ship is capable of performing underwater surveillance, mine warfare-related tasks, and low-intensity maritime operations. These combined capabilities will enhance the Navy's ability to protect harbours, ports, and coastal approaches against evolving underwater threats.The vessel derives its name from the coastal town of Mangrol in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. By commissioning this ship, the Indian Navy continues its tradition of honouring the legacy of former naval vessels; this new craft carries forward the name of the erstwhile minesweeper INS Mangrol (M85), which remained in active service with the force until April 2004. The induction of the Mangrol serves as a significant milestone in India's ongoing efforts to bolster its indigenous maritime infrastructure and regional security posture.