The Indian Navy is set to enhance its operational capabilities with the commissioning of its first indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), named Arnala. Scheduled for June 18, 2025, the event will take place at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam and will be presided over by General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff. This commissioning marks a significant milestone in India’s naval defense capabilities, reflecting the country’s commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at promoting self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Arnala, measuring 77.6 meters in length and boasting a gross tonnage of over 1,490 tonnes, has been designed and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in collaboration with L&T Shipbuilders through a Public-Private Partnership model. This vessel is tailored for a variety of missions, including sub-surface surveillance, search and rescue operations, and low-intensity maritime engagements. Notably, it is recognized as the largest warship in the Indian Navy powered by a diesel engine-waterjet combination, which enhances its operational efficiency in coastal and shallow waters.
The introduction of Arnala signifies a strategic pivot toward greater indigenous development for the Indian Navy, moving away from the challenges associated with older Soviet-era Petya III-class vessels, which were often plagued by corrosion and demanded frequent maintenance. The new, domestically manufactured craft promises to improve the Navy’s operational readiness and sustainability in the long run.
Arnala is equipped with a modern combat management system that enables full-scale sub-surface surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. It is capable of executing coordinated offensive missions in conjunction with naval aircraft. Its arsenal includes lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine warfare rockets, significantly enhancing India’s defense posture against underwater threats within the critical Indian Ocean Region.
The induction of Arnala is a testament to the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts to strengthen coastal security and bolster its anti-submarine warfare capabilities, aligning closely with national priorities focused on technological innovation and strategic autonomy in defense production.
