India Strengthens Coastal Defense with Home‑Built ‘Mangrol’ Warship

India’s maritime defence posture received a boost on Monday as the indigenous corvette Mangrol was formally inducted into the navy’s fleet. The vessel, constructed by Cochin Shipyard, is tailored for anti‑submarine operations in shallow and littoral waters.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding‑in‑Chief of the Western Naval Command, emphasized that platforms like Mangrol are vital for enhancing situational awareness and response capabilities along the nation’s extensive coastline.

Equipped with the domestically developed Abhay sonar, lightweight torpedoes, a dedicated anti‑submarine rocket system and the Marich decoy, the ship can detect and engage underwater threats efficiently. Its water‑jet propulsion, powered by three diesel engines, provides agility in constrained maritime environments.

The warship’s construction incorporates more than 80 percent indigenous material, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat drive. Named after the Gujarat port town of Mangrol, the corvette will patrol coastal zones, support low‑intensity missions, and contribute to underwater tunnel security.