On 18 October 2025, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi ceremonially launched the sixth anti-submarine warfare shallow-water craft (ASW-SWC) for the Indian Navy, hull number BY 528, named Magdala.
The launch was performed by Mrs Renu Rajaram in the presence of Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, and senior officials from CSL and the Navy. Designed and indigenously built at CSL, this vessel is part of a series of eight, marking another milestone in India’s naval ship-building and self-reliance ambitions.
Preparations Before Launch
Prior to the launch ceremony, a rigorous sequence of preparatory steps took place: from contractual award and hull fabrication to systems integration and readiness checks. The contract for the eight‐ship programme was awarded on 30 April 2019 to Cochin Shipyard.
The vessel’s construction included outfitting with propulsion, sensors, weapon systems and achieving an indigenous content exceeding 80 %. Typical checks include structural integrity, propulsion alignment, watertightness and system‐integration verification before slipping the hull into the water.
On the technical side, the craft is propelled by three diesel-engine powered waterjets and fitted with a hull-mounted sonar and low-frequency variable depth sonar (LFVDS), as well as torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, an NSG-30 gun and 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled guns. The delivery of the first ship of the class is planned by the end of October 2025.
Purpose and Strategic Role
The ASW-SWC programme is designed to strengthen the Indian Navy’s capabilities in shallow-water/ littoral zones where submarine threats and mine-laying pose unique challenges. These vessels will augment underwater domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare and mine laying capabilities.
Operated in coastal waters, they are tailored to detect and engage submarines in environments where acoustic conditions differ markedly from open ocean. Replacement of ageing platforms like the Abhay-class corvettes is one of their objectives.
In addition, by achieving over 80 % indigenous content, the programme is a key component of India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) defence manufacturing push, reducing dependence on foreign imports and boosting domestic industry.
Following the launch, the vessel enters a sea-trials phase where performance of propulsion, sensors, weapons and systems is tested before formal commissioning into the fleet. With the first ship expected for delivery at end of October 2025, Magdala will follow the trial sequence and eventually be commissioned as part of the fleet. The arrival of this class fortifies India’s navy for littoral threats and adds depth to its maritime posture in the Indian Ocean Region.
As Editor in Chief of The Maritime, I lead content development, interviews, and digital storytelling across our multimedia maritime platform. With over 10 years of experience in the maritime industry, I create and publish in-depth stories and video features that highlight key players, emerging trends, and operational realities across global shipping. Before launching The Maritime, I worked as a Vessel Operator at Imza Marine A.S., gaining hands-on commercial shipping and voyage operations experience. I also served as Marketing Communications Specialist at Gimas Ship Supply & Services, where I managed corporate communication, digital strategy, and industry outreach for shipowners and maritime clients. I hold a Master’s degree in Maritime Transportation Management from Istanbul Technical University and a Master’s degree in Publishing from Marmara University. My work is driven by the belief that the maritime world deserves strong, informed, and accessible media representation. I am committed to sharing the stories of maritime professionals and contributing to the sector’s visibility, knowledge exchange, and future development.
