A view of the INS Mangrol. Powered by three diesel engines and waterjet propulsion, the ship is designed for high manoeuvrability in shallow waters.
| Photo Credit: X/@indiannavy
The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Mangrol (P82), the third Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, strengthening its capabilities to detect and counter underwater threats.
Vice-Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, presided over the commissioning ceremony. Senior defence officials, representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), and industry partners attended the function.
INS Mangrol — designed and constructed by CSL in Kochi — has over 80% indigenous content, reflecting the Navy’s push for self-reliance and the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The ship also embodies the growing contribution of domestic defence industries and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to India’s naval capabilities.
Designed for operations in coastal and shallow waters, the vessel is equipped to undertake anti-submarine warfare, underwater surveillance and low-intensity maritime operations, besides mine warfare-related tasks.
Its advanced sensors, sonar and weapon systems are intended to detect, track and counter underwater threats in challenging littoral environments.
The ship is powered by three diesel engine-driven waterjet propulsion units, providing high manoeuvrability and rapid response in shallow and confined waters.
Addressing the commissioning ceremony, Vice-Admiral Vatsayan congratulated the Navy and CSL, highlighting the importance of indigenous warships in strengthening maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities amid an evolving maritime security landscape.
He also stressed the need for technological advancement, operational preparedness and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Behind the name
INS Mangrol takes its name from the coastal town and fishing harbour of Mangrol in Gujarat’s Junagadh district. It also carries forward the legacy of the earlier INS Mangrol (M85), a minesweeper that served the Navy until April 2004.
The commissioning comes as the Navy seeks to strengthen its ability to monitor India’s coastal approaches and protect maritime interests. The induction of the Mahe-class craft is expected to enhance surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities in shallow waters, an important operational area in the critical Indian Ocean Region.
Published – October 12, 2026 11:17 am IST
