Indian Navy adds third anti-submarine craft Mangrol to coastal defence fleet

India's navy has formally commissioned INS Mangrol, the third anti-submarine warfare craft of its class, marking a step forward in coastal defence. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, the ship integrates with maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and other surface vessels to locate and counter underwater threats. Its advanced suite includes the Abhay hull-mounted sonar, lightweight torpedoes, an indigenous anti-submarine rocket launcher and the Maareech advanced torpedo decoy system.

Propulsion comes from three diesel engines driving water-jets, giving the vessel excellent agility in shallow, congested waters. The addition of Mangrol expands the navy's ability to safeguard ports, harbours and coastal approaches and to support wider fleet operations. The craft also demonstrates India's growing capacity for domestic warship design, construction and sensor integration.