Kolkata: In a momentous milestone for India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd launched the eighth and final Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) in its ongoing series for the Indian Navy. The warship, named ‘Ajay’, was launched at GRSE’s Kolkata facility on Monday, in a ceremony blending naval tradition with engineering achievement.
The vessel was ceremonially launched by Smt. Priya Deshmukh, wife of Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Materiel, Indian Navy, who was also the chief guest on the occasion.
Echoes of the Past, Promise of the Future
This launch holds deep historical significance. The original INS Ajay, delivered in 1961, was the first warship constructed indigenously by GRSE. Over six decades later, the new Ajay reaffirms the legacy of self-reliance and domestic naval engineering that the shipyard continues to champion.
Also present at the ceremony were Cmde P R Hari (IN Retd), Chairman & Managing Director of GRSE; Cdr Shantanu Bose (IN Retd), Director (Shipbuilding), GRSE; Shri Abhishek Ranjan, IOFS, CVO, GRSE; and senior officials from the Indian Navy and GRSE.
Fleet Completion on a Tight Timeline
The launch of Ajay comes less than nine months after the seventh ship, Abhay, reinforcing GRSE’s commitment to delivery timelines. The lead ship of the series, INS Arnala, was commissioned on June 18, 2025, while the second vessel, Androth, has already completed its contractor sea trials and is ready for handover.
Formidable Design for Coastal Defence
The ASW SWCs have been specifically designed for operations in shallow coastal waters. Measuring 77.6 meters in length and 10.5 meters in beam, these vessels are ideal for detecting and neutralizing enemy submarines near the shore.
Besides anti-submarine warfare, the ships are equipped for Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and mine-laying, making them versatile assets for the Navy. They are capable of coordinated missions with aircraft and possess full-scope sub-surface surveillance capability.
Each ship is armed with a powerful anti-submarine suite, including lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and mines. For close combat, they are fitted with a 30 mm Close-in Weapon System and 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote-Control Guns. For underwater detection, the crafts deploy both Hull Mounted Sonars and Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonars.
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Top Brass Commends GRSE’s Capabilities
Speaking at the event, Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh commended GRSE for its significant strides in naval shipbuilding. He acknowledged GRSE’s record of delivering over 110 warships, more than any other Indian shipyard.
He emphasised that the commissioning of INS Arnala and the nearing delivery of Androth reflect the strong and evolving partnership between the Indian Navy, Indian industry, and GRSE. He also highlighted GRSE’s ongoing projects including P-17A Frigates, Survey Vessel (Large), and Next-Gen Offshore Patrol Vessels, among other special assignments.
Vision for a Shipbuilding Century
Cmde P R Hari echoed the shipyard’s forward-looking ambition. Noting that multiple ships are currently at different stages of outfitting, he affirmed GRSE’s trajectory toward a landmark goal.
“With 16 warships currently under construction and many more on order, GRSE is poised to deliver 100 warships to the Indian Navy within the next decade,” Cmde Hari stated with confidence.
About GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) is a leading warship builder in India, operating under the Ministry of Defence. Headquartered in Kolkata, GRSE is known for delivering complex naval platforms and has been instrumental in strengthening India’s maritime capabilities. It has built over 100 ships for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard and offers expertise in design, engineering, and construction of a wide range of vessels for defence and commercial use.
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