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The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mangrol (P82), the third vessel in the Mahe-class of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on October 12. Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, presided over the ceremony.
Indigenously designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, INS Mangrol has over 80 per cent indigenous content, reflecting the growing role of domestic shipyards and defence suppliers in meeting the Navy’s operational requirements. The programme has also involved Indian defence industries and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Designed for operations in coastal and shallow waters, the vessel is equipped for anti-submarine warfare, underwater surveillance and low-intensity maritime operations. It can also undertake mine warfare-related tasks. Its sonar, sensors and weapon systems are intended to detect, track and counter underwater threats in the challenging littoral environment, where shallow depths and confined waters can complicate naval operations.
The ship is powered by three diesel engine-driven waterjet propulsion units, providing the manoeuvrability and rapid response required for operations close to the coast and in restricted waters. Its induction is expected to strengthen the Navy’s ability to monitor India’s coastal approaches and respond to underwater threats.
Addressing the commissioning ceremony, Vice Admiral Vatsayan underscored the importance of indigenous warships in strengthening maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities amid an evolving maritime security environment. He also highlighted the expanding capabilities of India’s shipbuilding industry and the Navy’s focus on technological advancement, operational preparedness and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
INS Mangrol takes its name from the coastal town and fishing harbour of Mangrol in Gujarat’s Junagadh district. It revives the name of the earlier INS Mangrol (M85), a minesweeper that served the Navy until April 2004.
The commissioning adds another platform to the Navy’s expanding shallow-water warfare fleet, with a focus on securing littoral waters and improving the detection of underwater threats. It also reinforces the push to build warships domestically as India seeks to strengthen its maritime security and sustain a larger share of naval procurement through indigenous design and manufacturing.
Team BharatShakti
