In a significant boost to India’s maritime capabilities, the Indian Navy has officially commissioned INS Arnala, heralded as the first indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC). The commissioning ceremony took place at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan presiding over the proceedings, which were attended by senior defense officials and naval commanders.
INS Arnala, named after the historic Arnala fort, is strategically designed to enhance India’s proficiency in detecting and neutralizing enemy submarines, particularly in shallow waters. This development is viewed as a vital step in bolstering the nation’s maritime security along its extensive coastline. The induction of INS Arnala marks a notable evolution in India’s maritime defense capabilities, showcasing a commitment to self-reliant defense manufacturing in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The vessel has been constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in collaboration with L&T Shipbuilders and stands as the first in a planned fleet of 16 ASW-SWC vessels intended to gradually replace the aging Abhay-class corvettes by the year 2026. Delivered to the Navy on May 8, 2025, INS Arnala boasts over 80 percent indigenous content, reflecting considerable advances in domestic defense manufacturing.
INS Arnala is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including hull-mounted and towed low-frequency variable-depth sonar systems. These advanced systems are integral for subsurface surveillance and coordinated anti-submarine warfare operations. The vessel is powered by water-jet propulsion, which provides remarkable maneuverability and the capability to conduct multifaceted missions, including close coordination with naval aircraft.
The commissioning of INS Arnala exemplifies a successful partnership between the public and private sectors, highlighting India’s burgeoning defense industrial base. Furthermore, it aligns seamlessly with the Indian Navy’s strategic vision of enhancing its presence and operational readiness throughout the Indo-Pacific region, signifying a strong advancement in national security and defense preparedness.
