Kochi: The Indian Navy’s new anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft, MAHE, is set to be commissioned on November 24 at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard, and its official crest will feature the distinctive Urumi—the flexible, whip-like sword associated with the Kerala martial art of Kalarippayattu.
Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe in Kerala, the vessel is the first of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts being constructed by Cochin Shipyard for the Navy.
Agile, Precise, and Lethal
The 78 metre-long vessel, with a displacement of 1,100 tonnes, is described by the Navy as a compact yet powerful ship embodying agility, precision, and endurance.
- Mission: MAHE is designed to hunt submarines, conduct coastal patrols, and secure India’s vital maritime approaches, blending firepower, stealth, and mobility.
- Motto: The ship’s motto, “Silent Hunters,” perfectly encapsulates the ethos of anti-submarine warfare, emphasizing stealth, vigilance, and unwavering resolve.
- Design: The warship was designed and constructed according to the classification rules of Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is the largest Indian Naval warship propelled by a diesel engine-waterjet combination. It is also designed for underwater surveillance, search and rescue, and low-intensity maritime operations.
The Symbolism of the Crest
The ship’s crest draws inspiration directly from Kerala’s cultural and martial legacy. It depicts an Urumi rising sharply from the sea waves.
“The Urumi signifies agility, precision, and lethal grace, reflecting the ship’s ability to operate swiftly and strike decisively in the littorals,” the Navy stated. The waves, meanwhile, represent India’s vast maritime domain and the Navy’s perpetual readiness to safeguard it. The crest marks the convergence of India’s rich cultural heritage and its modern technological prowess in maritime defense.
The commissioning of MAHE will usher in a new era of indigenous, shallow-water combatants—sleek, swift, and resolutely Indian.
