Navy Commissions Indigenous INS Mangrol, Boosts Coastal Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities

India's naval expansion continues with the launch of INS Mangrol. The third vessel in the Mahe-class ASW-SWC series, bolstering the country's coastal surveillance capabilities in shallow waters.

In the realm of naval warfare, INS Mangrol stands as a formidable asset, engineered to excel in narrow, shallow waters where larger vessels often falter. Equipped with state-of-the-art sonar, the INS Mangrol features a arsenal of lightweight torpedoes and sophisticated anti-submarine systems. This allows it to effectively pinpoint, track, and neutralize potential threats.

The Indian Navy is rapidly expanding its fleet. With 10 new ships set to be commissioned in 2026, followed by another eight by year's end. The navy's ambitious plans foresee the total number of platforms exceeding 170 by the end of the next few years.

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A new vessel is being introduced into service approximately every 40 to 50 days.

INS Mangrol was delivered to the Navy on March 31, 2026, ahead of its commissioning. The vessel is built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and has more than 80 per cent indigenous content.

The induction of the Mahe-class vessels is part of the Navy's efforts to bolster its coastal anti-submarine warfare capabilities and replace the ageing Abhay-class corvettes. Which entered service between 1989 and 1991.

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The programme for shallow-water anti-submarine vessels dates back to 2013, when the Defence Acquisition Council approved the acquisition of 16 such vessels. The first vessel in the series, INS Mahe, was commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on November 24, 2025.

Named after the coastal town and fishing harbour of Mangrol in Gujarat's Junagadh district. The warship also carries forward the legacy of the earlier INS Mangrol (M85). A minesweeper that served the Navy until April 7, 2004.

“Our fleet currently comprises 151 platforms, including 131 ships and 20 submarines,” Vice Admiral, Vatsayan said. “We currently have 42 ships under construction at Indian shipyards, while Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) has been accorded for another 69 ships, six submarines and 120 Fast Interceptor Craft.”.