INS Mangrol Strengthens India’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Capability

INS Mangrol anti-submarine warfare capability will play an important role in strengthening the Indian Navy’s ability to detect and counter underwater threats, Commander U. Sharan Kumar said in Mumbai, highlighting the growing strategic importance of submarine surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region.

Mangrol was commissioned into the Indian Navy in Mumbai on October 12 as the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. The vessel is designed primarily for detecting and countering submarine threats in coastal and shallow waters.

Mumbai, Maharashtra: Commander U. Sharan Kumar, Commanding Officer of INS Mangrol, says, "INS Malpe is the third ship in the Mahe class. It specialises in anti-submarine warfare. The Indian Ocean Region is geopolitically very important, and submarine deployments by several foreign countries have increased significantly over the years. As a result, the threat of underwater attacks and the need to detect and neutralise them have become far more important than before. In this context, INS Malpe will play a crucial role in strengthening the Indian Navy's defence capabilities and safeguarding India's maritime interests."

— IANS (@ians_india) October 12, 2026

Commander U. Sharan Kumar Highlights Underwater Threat

Commander U. Sharan Kumar, Commanding Officer of INS Mangrol, said anti-submarine warfare has become increasingly important because of the changing security environment in the Indian Ocean Region.

He said submarine deployments by several foreign countries have increased over the years, making the ability to detect and neutralise underwater threats increasingly significant for maritime security.

The commander stressed that the Indian Ocean is geopolitically important and that specialised anti-submarine vessels will strengthen the Navy’s preparedness against potential underwater threats.

INS Mangrol Designed to Hunt Submarines in Coastal Waters

INS Mangrol is an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) specifically designed for operations in areas where larger naval vessels can face operational limitations.

According to the Ministry of Defence, Mangrol is the third ASW-SWC built by Cochin Shipyard Limited and has been inducted to enhance the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

The vessel can operate alongside maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and other naval ships during anti-submarine missions.

Growing Submarine Activity Raises Strategic Importance

Commander Kumar said increased deployment of submarines by foreign navies has made underwater surveillance and defence increasingly important.

“The Indian Ocean Region is geopolitically very important, and submarine deployments by several foreign countries have increased significantly over the years.”

He said the possibility of underwater attacks means detection and neutralisation capabilities have become far more important than in the past.

His remarks underline the Navy’s growing focus on monitoring coastal waters, strategic maritime approaches and areas around important ports and naval installations.

More Than 80% Indigenous Content

INS Mangrol has also been highlighted as an important example of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

The vessel has more than 80% indigenous content, according to official and published information, reflecting greater domestic participation in naval shipbuilding, weapons and sensor integration.

It was constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi as part of the Navy’s programme to expand its fleet of specialised shallow-water anti-submarine vessels.

Protecting Ports, Harbours and Coastal Approaches

The INS Mangrol anti-submarine warfare role extends beyond searching for submarines at sea.

Ships of this class are intended to help protect ports, harbours and coastal approaches while also supporting larger naval formations during maritime operations.

Their smaller size and shallow-water capabilities allow them to operate effectively in coastal areas where submarine detection can be particularly challenging.

Indian Navy Boosts Maritime Defence

The commissioning of INS Mangrol represents another step in the Indian Navy’s efforts to strengthen underwater surveillance and coastal defence.

Commander Kumar said vessels specialising in anti-submarine warfare would play an important role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests as the strategic environment in the Indian Ocean continues to evolve.

With its indigenous construction, specialised sensors and anti-submarine role, INS Mangrol adds another layer to India’s maritime security architecture and strengthens the Navy’s ability to respond to underwater threats close to the country’s coastline.