INS Mangrol: Indian Navy Commissions Anti-Submarine Warship Named After Gujarat’s Coastal Town

Mumbai: INS Mangrol, the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Monday.

Named after Mangrol, a coastal town and prominent fishing harbour in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, the ship carries forward the legacy of the erstwhile INS Mangrol (M85), a minesweeper that served the Indian Navy until April 7, 2004. The naming continues the Navy’s tradition of preserving the legacy of its former warships.

Addressing the commissioning ceremony, Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, said, “Mangrol is the third of the eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. At approximately 900 tonnes, with water-jet propulsion and modern underwater sensors and weapons, it has been designed specifically for the demanding environment of our coastal waters. Its capabilities include anti-submarine warfare, underwater surveillance, mine warfare, and low-intensity maritime operations. Ladies and gentlemen, the strategic importance of the Indian Navy has never been more evident than it is today. The ongoing conflict in West Asia and the recent attacks on commercial shipping around the Strait of Hormuz have reminded the country, more than ever before, that maritime security is energy security, and energy security is national security. This has reinforced the need for a capable, vigilant, and self-reliant Navy, supported by a strong indigenous warship-building ecosystem.”

Mangrol is the third of eight ASW-SWCs being built by CSL. Weighing approximately 900 tonnes, the vessel is equipped with waterjet propulsion, modern underwater sensors and weapons, and is designed for anti-submarine warfare, underwater surveillance, mine warfare and low-intensity maritime operations in coastal waters.

Built with more than 80% indigenous content, the ship features the Abhay hull-mounted sonar, lightweight torpedoes, an indigenous anti-submarine rocket launcher and the Maareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System. Powered by three diesel engines with waterjet propulsion, it offers high manoeuvrability in shallow waters.

The commissioning of INS Mangrol will strengthen the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, particularly in coastal areas where larger warships face operational limitations. The vessel will help protect ports, harbours and coastal approaches from underwater threats while supporting operations alongside maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and other warships. Deshgujarat