New Delhi: The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, a leading defence PSU shipyard, marked a significant milestone with the commissioning of "INS Arnala,' the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) — into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.
The ceremony was graced by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan as the chief guest. Senior officials including Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command; Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan (CWP&A); and Cmde PR Hari (Retd), CMD, GRSE, were also present, among others.
"INS Arnala" is the first of eight ASW SWCs being built by GRSE for the Navy and has the distinction of being the largest diesel engine–waterjet propelled warship inducted by the Indian Navy. The ship is designed for shallow water operations and is equipped to undertake full-scale sub-surface surveillance, search and attack missions, and coordinated anti-submarine operations with aircraft. It features a Combat Management System and is armed with lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine warfare rockets.
Measuring 77.6 metres in length and 10.5 metres in width, "INS Arnala' carries a complement of 57 personnel, including seven officers. The vessel requires a draught of only 2.7 metres, making it ideal for coastal deployment in shallow waters. The ship's agility is enhanced by its three marine diesel engine-fitted waterjets.
Named after the historic island of Arnala off the Maharashtra coast, the vessel boasts over 80 percent indigenous content, reflecting GRSE’s strong alignment with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
Built through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the ship was constructed in collaboration with L\&T’s Kattupalli yard — a first-of-its-kind initiative involving a PSU shipyard and a private sector partner.
Addressing the gathering, General Chauhan lauded GRSE for delivering a combat-ready asset to the nation. He noted that the INS *Arnala* would significantly enhance the Navy's capabilities to counter undersea threats in littoral waters and expressed confidence that it would serve as a benchmark for the remaining ships in its class.
GRSE CMD Cmde PR Hari underscored the shipyard's role in constructing sophisticated, technologically advanced warships. He highlighted that GRSE is currently building 16 warships, including three Project 17A advanced stealth frigates, seven ASW SWCs, two large survey vessels, and four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels. The shipyard is also executing international and domestic commercial orders, including cargo vessels for a German company and hybrid ferries for the Government of West Bengal.
GRSE’s INS Arnala was earlier awarded the Raksha Mantri's Award in 2022 for being the "most silent ship" in its class, underscoring the vessel’s advanced design and operational capabilities.
With the commissioning of INS Arnala, the Indian Navy strengthens its coastal defence architecture and adds another state-of-the-art platform to its growing fleet of indigenous warships.
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