India bolsters coastal anti-submarine fleet with new indigenous warship Mangrol

The Indian Navy has accepted Mangrol, the third anti-submarine warfare shallow-water craft constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, expanding its fleet of compact platforms for littoral operations. The 78-metre ship, part of an eight-vessel Mahe-class series, contains more than 80 % indigenous components and is armed with an RBU-6000 rocket launcher, lightweight torpedo tubes, mine-laying rails and a 30 mm gun for surface defence.

Powered by three diesel engines driving waterjets, Mangrol offers high agility and a low acoustic profile suitable for shallow waters. Named after the coastal town of Mangrol in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, the vessel revives the name of a minesweeper that served until 2004. In addition to this programme, the navy is developing an eight-ship Arnala-class series led by GRSE with involvement from Larsen & Toubro to further strengthen its anti-submarine capabilities.