Visakhapatnam: In a significant milestone for India’s indigenous defence production and maritime preparedness, the Indian Navy is set to commission ‘Arnala’, the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), on June 18, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, and hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. The event will witness the presence of senior naval officials, dignitaries, industry partners, and stakeholders involved in the ship’s development.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Action: Indigenous Design and Construction
INS Arnala is the first of 16 ASW-SWC class vessels designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The project is a major step under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, showcasing Indian capabilities in defence manufacturing.
Read Also: INS Arnala: India’s First ASW Shallow Water Craft Delivered by GRSE to Indian Navy
The ship was delivered to the Indian Navy on May 8, 2025, under the supervision of the Directorate of Ship Production and Warship Overseeing Teams in Kolkata and Kattupalli.
Historic Name, Modern Capabilities
Named after the historic Arnala Fort near Vasai, Maharashtra, the ship symbolizes resilience, vigilance, and coastal defence. Much like its namesake that withstood invasions and protected coastal territories, INS Arnala is equipped to handle evolving underwater threats in the region.
At 77.6 meters in length and displacing over 1490 tonnes, INS Arnala is the largest Indian naval vessel powered by a diesel engine-waterjet combination. Its primary roles include Subsurface Surveillance, Search and Rescue (SAR), and Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), all vital for securing India’s coastal and offshore assets.
Over 80% Indigenous Content, MSME Engagement
The ship proudly incorporates over 80% indigenous components, featuring systems supplied by Indian defence giants such as BEL, L&T, Mahindra Defence, and MEIL. The project has actively engaged more than 55 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), significantly boosting the domestic defence ecosystem.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Power in the IOR
The commissioning of INS Arnala is expected to enhance India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, particularly in shallow coastal waters, and reaffirms India’s status as a self-reliant maritime force in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). As maritime security challenges evolve, platforms like Arnala will be critical to maintaining a strong deterrent and coastal defence posture.
