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Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-10-13 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Indian Navy, Defence & Security, Anti-Submarine Warfare ///Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-10-13 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Indian Navy, Defence & Security, Anti-Submarine Warfare ///

News · GS Paper 3

INS Mangrol Boosts India’s Shallow-Water ASW Capability

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mangrol (P82), the third Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited with over 80% indigenous content, it enhances India’s anti-submarine warfare, coastal defence and maritime domain awareness, especially in shallow waters. The vessel carries forward the legacy of the earlier INS Mangrol (M85), a minesweeper decommissioned in April 2004.

2026-10-13

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Why in News?

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mangrol (P82), the third Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
It follows INS Mahe (P80) commissioned in November 2025 and INS Malvan (P81) in July 2026.

Key Facts

Vessel type: Mahe-class ASW-SWC
Pennant number: P82
Built by: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi
Indigenous content: over 80%
Commissioning location: Naval Dockyard, Mumbai
Primary role: Anti-Submarine Warfare, underwater surveillance, Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and mine warfare-related tasks in coastal and shallow waters
Key systems: Abhay hull-mounted sonar, lightweight torpedoes, indigenous anti-submarine rocket launcher and Mareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System
Propulsion: three diesel engine-driven waterjet propulsion units
Name: after Mangrol, a coastal town and fishing harbour in Junagadh district, Gujarat
Legacy: carries forward the legacy of the earlier INS Mangrol (M85), a minesweeper that served until April 2004

Background and Context

The Mahe-class ASW-SWC programme is part of the Indian Navy's effort to strengthen anti-submarine operations, especially in littoral and shallow waters.
The vessel is designed to detect, track and counter underwater threats, including submarines and mines.
Indigenous construction by CSL supports the goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in defence manufacturing.
The naming continues the Indian Navy tradition of honouring coastal towns, harbours and historical vessels.

Strategic Significance

Strengthens India's coastal defence, maritime domain awareness and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Useful in shallow waters where larger warships face operational limitations.
Enhances protection of ports, harbours and coastal approaches in the Indian Ocean Region.
Signals growing indigenous capability in warship design and construction.

Policy and Institutional Linkages

Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence: over 80% indigenous content.
Make in India: built by an Indian shipyard, CSL.
Indian Maritime Security Strategy: focus on coastal security and maritime domain awareness.
SAGAR: Security and Growth for All in the Region.
Defence is a Union subject under the Union List; maritime security is a key national security priority.

Also Remember

The earlier INS Mangrol (M85) was a minesweeper decommissioned in April 2004.
The name Mangrol comes from a Gujarat coastal town and fishing harbour in Junagadh district.