In News:

Recently, the Indian Navy received Arnala, the first of eight indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs). The vessel was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in partnership with M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), exemplifying the growing collaboration in India’s defence manufacturing sector.

Key Features and Significance

• Arnala is named after the historic Arnala Fort located off Vasai, Maharashtra, symbolizing India’s rich maritime heritage.
• The ship measures 77 metres in length and is the largest Indian Naval warship powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet propulsion system.
• Designed and built according to the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules, the vessel adheres to domestic naval architecture standards.
• Over 80% of the ship’s components are sourced indigenously, marking a significant stride toward the Government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in defence production.

Operational Roles

The Arnala class ASW SWCs are specialized for:

• Underwater surveillance in coastal and littoral zones
• Conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations
• Engaging in Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO)
• Performing coastal Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) missions
• Advanced mine-laying activities

The induction of these vessels enhances India’s capabilities in shallow water ASW, critical for safeguarding maritime security in near-shore environments and ensuring dominance in the strategically vital littoral areas.

Strategic Importance

The delivery of Arnala signifies a major milestone in the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts to promote indigenous shipbuilding and strengthen domestic defence manufacturing. It highlights successful public-private collaboration in advanced warship construction and contributes directly to India’s broader strategic goal of self-reliance in defence technology.