India achieved a significant milestone in its maritime defence capabilities with delivery of ‘Arnala’, the first indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) to the Indian Navy. In a major boost to India’s maritime security and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, INS Arnala is first in a series of 8 ASW-SWC delivered to Indian Navy.
Key Highlights
- Name of the vessel: INS Arnala
- Class: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)
- Designer & Builder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata
- Delivery Model: Built under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between GRSE and L&T Kattupalli Shipyard
- Indigenous content: Over 80%, reflecting India’s thrust on self-reliance in defence
- Award: GRSE received Raksha Mantri’s Award in 2022 for the design of Arnala – dubbed the ‘most silent ship’
- Historic Naming: Named after Arnala Fort, located off Vasai (Maharashtra), reflecting India’s maritime heritage
Technical Specifications of INS Arnala
| Feature | Details |
| Length | 77.6 metres |
| Beam (Width) | 10.5 metres |
| Draught | 2.7 metres |
| Propulsion | Diesel engine + waterjet combination (3 waterjets) |
| Speed & Agility | Extremely agile and maneuverable; ideal for coastal operations |
| Crew Complement | 57 personnel, including 7 officers |
Operational Capabilities & Roles
The ASW-SWCs, including INS Arnala, are specially designed for:
- Underwater Surveillance of littoral zones
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Operations in Shallow Coastal Waters
- Search and Rescue (SAR) Missions
- Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO)
- Advanced Mine Laying Capabilities
- Coordinated ASW operations with aircraft (e.g., P-8I Poseidon)
- Equipped with:
- Combat Management System (CMS)
- Lightweight torpedoes
- ASW rockets
Significance & Strategic Impact
- INS Arnala is described as one of the most silent ships, ensuring stealth in submarine hunting operations
- Enhances India’s ability to counter sub-surface threats near the coast.
- Shallow water draught (2.7 m) allows close-coast patrolling and enhanced submarine detection in shallow zones.
- Demonstrates India’s progress in indigenous defence shipbuilding.
- Bolsters Indian Navy’s capability to protect maritime borders and critical coastal installations.
GRSE: Defence Manufacturing Push
- GRSE is building 16 more warships:
- 3 P17A advanced stealth frigates
- 7 ASW-SWCs
- 2 Survey Vessels Large
- 4 Next-Gen Offshore Patrol Vessels
- Additionally, 24 other vessels under construction, 9 for exports