INS Arnala, India’s First Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Ship, to Be Commissioned Today
New Delhi, June 18: The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Arnala, the nation’s first indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), at the Visakhapatnam dockyard on Wednesday under the Eastern Naval Command.
Sharing the milestone on social media platform X, the Indian Navy’s official spokesperson from Naval Headquarters & the DPR, Ministry of Defence, posted a video chronicling Arnala’s journey from design to deployment. “India's first indigenously designed and built Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft is all set to be commissioned today, #18Jun25. We bring to you the Journey of Arnala From Blueprint ... to A Warship,” the post read.
INS Arnala is the first of eight ASW SWCs being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and was delivered to the Navy on May 8 at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. The vessel has been constructed under the Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between GRSE and L&T, highlighting the strength of collaborative defence manufacturing.
Named after the historic Arnala fort off Vasai, Maharashtra, the warship pays tribute to India’s rich maritime heritage. At 77 meters in length, it is the largest Indian Naval warship powered by a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion system.
Designed for underwater surveillance, search and rescue missions, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), INS Arnala is also equipped to carry out advanced mine-laying and coastal anti-submarine warfare missions.
The induction of Arnala-class ships will enhance the Navy’s shallow water ASW capabilities and marks a significant step toward self-reliance in defence production. With over 80% indigenous content, INS Arnala underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
