India took a significant leap in its maritime defence capabilities with the launch of two Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) ships, `Malpe’ and `Mulki’.

• These vessels, the fourth and fifth of the eight-ship ASW SWC project, are being built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) under a contract signed with the Ministry of Defence in April 2019.
• The `Mahe’ class of ASW Shallow Water Crafts, named after strategically important Indian ports, marks a new era in India’s naval defence strategy.
• These ships are designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, mine-laying, and low-intensity maritime operations.