Source: TOI
Subject: Security
Context: The Indian Navy marked a significant step in its maritime defense capabilities with the official delivery of ‘Malwan’, the second of eight indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC).
About Malwan: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft:
What It Is?
- Malwan is a high-tech, waterjet-propelled warship designed specifically for specialized naval operations in coastal and shallow waters. It is the second vessel in a series of eight ASW SWCs currently being commissioned by the Indian Navy to replace and upgrade its aging fleet.
Developed By:
- Manufacturer: The ship was indigenously designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
- Specifications: It was built to the Indian Navy’s specific requirements and adheres to the Classification Rules of DNV (Det Norske Veritas).
Origin and Legacy:
- Historical Link: The name is derived from the coastal town of Malwan in Maharashtra, which is historically significant for its ties to the maritime heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- Naval Tradition: The vessel continues the legacy of the erstwhile INS Malwan, a naval minesweeper that served the nation until 2003.
Aim: The primary objective of this craft is to provide the Indian Navy with advanced capabilities for underwater surveillance and specialized combat in littoral (near-shore) zones, where larger submarines or ships might struggle to operate.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: The vessel measures approximately 80 metres in length and has a displacement of 1,100 tons.
- Propulsion: It utilizes advanced Waterjets for high maneuverability in shallow coastal regions.
- Offensive Weaponry: It is armed with torpedoes and multifunctional anti-submarine rockets.
- Sensors and Tech: Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, including advanced radar and sonar systems for detecting submerged threats.
- Multi-Role Capability: Beyond anti-submarine warfare, it is capable of Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and mine warfare.
Significance:
- With over 80% indigenous content, the ship is a major milestone for the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
- The project successfully integrated systems developed by the domestic defense manufacturing ecosystem, including various MSMEs.
