Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 11: Two anti-submarine vessels, named after prominent Karnataka locations, Malpe and Mulki, were launched on Tuesday. These anti-submarine vessels, capable of operating in shallow waters, are a significant addition to India’s naval defence.

Built by the Indian Navy using entirely indigenous technology, these anti-submarine vessels feature advanced sensors capable of detecting underwater objects. They will be instrumental in locating underwater mines and monitoring submarine movement near coastal areas. Earlier, two similar anti-submarine vessels were handed over to the navy.

A total of 16 anti-submarine vessels are slated for production under this project. Shipyards in Kochi and Kolkata have been tasked with building eight anti-submarine vessels each. The agreement for this project was signed with the central government in 2019.

The names INS Mulki and INS Malpe have historical significance. Previously, ships with the same names were imported from Russia as part of a fleet of six mine-sweeping vessels. These ships operated between 1984 and 2003 (Mulki) and 2006 (Malpe), primarily detecting mines along the coastline before being decommissioned. According to retired naval officer vice admiral B R Rao, who hails from Mulki, the navy often reuses ship names, as seen in its fleet of over 150 vessels.

Historically, Mulki was a key port in the state, facilitating trade between India and foreign countries. Small ships would travel to Mulki's coastal waters, where they would then move inland along the Shambhavi river. Between the 1930s and 1960s, passenger steamers also operated in the area, and a ferry service connected Udupi and Mangaluru. As a result, both Mulki and Malpe appeared on British-era sea charts, cementing their significance.

The utility of anti-submarine vessels includes detecting submarine movements, locating hidden underwater mines, conducting coastal surveillance, and protecting island territories.