Navy to commission anti-submarine warfare craft Mangrol on October 12

The induction of Mangrol will enhance the Navy’s ability to protect ports, harbours and coastal approaches, where shallow-water conditions can constrain the operations of larger warships. | Photo Credit: File The Indian Navy will commission Mangrol, the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Monday (October 12, 2026) strengthening its capabilities to detect and counter underwater threats in coastal waters.The Indian Navy informed that Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, will preside over the commissioning ceremony, which will be attended by senior naval and defence officials, representatives of the Ministry of Defence and CSL, veterans and representatives of indigenous weapon and sensor manufacturers.Built with over 80% indigenous content, Mangrol reflects the country’s growing capabilities in warship construction and the integration of indigenous weapons and sensors. The vessel has been constructed by CSL under the government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, it added.Named after the coastal town of Mangrol in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, a prominent fishing harbour, the ship carries forward the legacy of the erstwhile INS Mangrol (M85), a minesweeper that served the Navy until April 7, 2004.Designed to detect and counter submarine threats in shallow and coastal waters, the vessel is equipped with an Abhay hull-mounted sonar, lightweight torpedoes, an indigenous anti-submarine rocket launcher and the Mareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System.Powered by three diesel engines and waterjet propulsion, the ship is designed for high manoeuvrability in shallow waters. Besides anti-submarine warfare, it can undertake underwater surveillance, low-intensity maritime operations and mine warfare-related tasks.The induction of Mangrol will enhance the Navy’s ability to protect ports, harbours and coastal approaches, where shallow-water conditions can constrain the operations of larger warships. The vessel can also operate alongside maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and other warships as part of coordinated efforts to detect and counter submarine threats.With underwater threats assuming greater significance in the evolving maritime security environment, the commissioning of Mangrol marks another step in strengthening the Navy’s coastal defence capabilities. It also underscores the role of indigenous shipyards and domestic defence manufacturers in meeting the Navy’s operational requirements. Published - October 09, 2026 07:00 pm IST