INS Malvan Commissioned: Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warship Joins Indian Navy
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Security
Why in news
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Malvan, an indigenously built anti-submarine warfare ship, at INS Kadamba Naval Base in Karwar on July 22, 2026. This marks a significant step in India's defence indigenisation under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Background
INS Malvan is a warship built at Cochin Shipyard Limited with nearly 80% indigenous technology. It is designed for anti-submarine warfare and is equipped with advanced systems like the Abhay Sonar.
Key facts
INS Malvan was commissioned at INS Kadamba Naval Base in Karwar, Uttara Kannada district, on July 22, 2026.
It is built under the Make in India initiative with nearly 80% indigenous components and technology.
The warship is 78 metres long, with a beam of 11.26 metres and a draught of 2.7 metres.
It can achieve a top speed of 25 knots.
The crew comprises 7 officers and 50 sailors (total 57 personnel).
INS Malvan is designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, equipped with the advanced Abhay Sonar system for underwater detection.
It is armed with a 30 mm Naval Surface Gun and advanced anti-submarine weapons.
The ship was built at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kerala.
Prelims pointers
- INS Malvan
- INS Kadamba Naval Base, Karwar (Asia's largest naval base)
- Make in India initiative
- Atmanirbhar Bharat
- Cochin Shipyard Limited
- Abhay Sonar system
- Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
- 30 mm Naval Surface Gun
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of indigenous defence manufacturing in achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) with reference to INS Malvan.
- Examine the role of anti-submarine warfare capabilities in India's maritime security strategy.
- Analyse the contribution of the Make in India initiative to the defence sector and its impact on strategic autonomy.