DELIVERY OF MANGROL – THE THIRD ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE SHALLOW WATER CRAFT BUILT BY CSL, KOCHI

Mangrol, the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi, has been delivered to the Indian Navy.

About Mangrol

• The ship is named after Mangrol, a coastal town and minor port in Gujarat known for its marine fishing harbour.
• It also carries forward the legacy of the erstwhile INS Mangrol, an Indian Naval minesweeper that remained in service until 2004.
• The vessel contains more than 80% indigenous content, reflecting India’s growing domestic defence-manufacturing capability.

Operational Capabilities

• Mangrol is designed primarily for underwater surveillance and anti-submarine warfare operations in coastal and shallow waters.
• It can also undertake Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and mine-warfare-related missions.
• The ship is propelled by waterjets, improving manoeuvrability in shallow coastal waters.
• It is equipped with torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets for engaging underwater threats.
• Advanced radars and sonars enhance its detection, surveillance and targeting capabilities.

Significance

• The ship enhances the Indian Navy’s ability to detect and counter submarines operating close to India’s coastline.
• Its high indigenous content supports India’s objective of reducing dependence on foreign defence platforms and systems.
• The delivery marks another milestone in the Navy’s transition towards a more self-reliant and technologically advanced fleet.
• Mangrol reinforces the Government’s broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India objectives in defence shipbuilding.