Kochi, Kerala | Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) achieved another major milestone in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing programme by successfully launching the seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), named ‘Machilipatnam’, for the Indian Navy. The vessel is the seventh in a series of eight advanced warships currently being constructed by CSL, further strengthening the country’s maritime defence capabilities under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
The vessel was ceremonially launched by Smt. Goolrukh Anand in the presence of Vice Admiral Atul Anand, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, who attended the event as the Chief Guest. The launch ceremony was also attended by several senior naval officers and top executives of Cochin Shipyard Limited.
Among the dignitaries present were Shri Jose V.J., Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Cochin Shipyard Limited, Dr. Harikrishnan S., Director (Operations), Shri Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, Director (Technical), Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal, VSM, Chief Staff Officer (Training), Headquarters Southern Naval Command, Dr. C. Pandi Selva Durai, IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), CSL, senior officials from the Southern Naval Command, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy), Commodore Anup Menon, Warship Production Superintendent (Kochi), and representatives of the Classification Society.
The launch of ‘Machilipatnam’ marks another significant step in the successful execution of one of India’s most prestigious naval shipbuilding projects. It reflects the strong partnership between Cochin Shipyard Limited and the Indian Navy in developing modern, indigenous warships that will significantly enhance India’s coastal security and underwater combat capabilities.
CSL stated that the project is being executed with a strong emphasis on quality, safety, and timely delivery, reaffirming the shipyard’s commitment to supporting the Government of India’s vision of self-reliance in defence manufacturing while expanding the nation’s indigenous naval shipbuilding capabilities.
The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) has been specifically designed to conduct anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, perform Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), carry out Mine Laying Operations, and undertake advanced underwater surveillance. These vessels will play a crucial role in protecting India’s extensive coastline and enhancing maritime security against underwater threats.
The newly launched vessel, identified as Yard BY 529, has been named ‘Machilipatnam’ after the historic port city located in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh along India’s eastern coastline, recognizing the country’s rich maritime heritage.
The warship measures 78.0 meters in length, 11.36 meters in beam, and has a draught of approximately 2.7 meters. It has a displacement of around 900 tons, can achieve a maximum speed of 25 knots, and offers an operational endurance of approximately 1,800 nautical miles, enabling it to undertake extended coastal defence missions.
One of the most significant features of the vessel is its integration of state-of-the-art indigenous underwater surveillance systems, including an indigenously developed Hull Mounted Sonar and a Low Frequency Variable Depth Sonar. These advanced technologies will significantly improve the Indian Navy’s capability to detect, track, and neutralize underwater threats while reinforcing India’s growing expertise in indigenous defence technology.
The successful launch of ‘Machilipatnam’ further demonstrates Cochin Shipyard Limited’s growing role as one of India’s leading defence shipbuilders and underscores the country’s continued progress toward achieving self-reliance in naval construction. The project represents a major contribution to strengthening the Indian Navy’s operational readiness, enhancing maritime security, and advancing the national objectives of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the strategic defence sector.
