Navy To Commission 1st Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, INS Arnala: Why Is This Big?

The Indian Navy is set to commission its first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), INS Arnala, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on June 18, 2025. The induction ceremony will be presided over by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command.

Arnala is the first in a series of 16 ASW-SWC vessels being built under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative. Designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), in collaboration with L&T Shipbuilders, the vessel is a major step forward in modernising India’s anti-submarine warfare fleet and bolstering its operational dominance in the Indian Ocean Region.

What makes INS Arnala a key addition to India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities?

The 77-meter-long INS Arnala is purpose-built for shallow water anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions, making it especially valuable for coastal and littoral surveillance. The vessel is equipped to perform subsurface surveillance, low-intensity maritime operations, and search and rescue missions. With a displacement of over 1,490 tonnes, it is the largest Indian warship to use a Diesel Engine-Waterjet propulsion system, enabling high agility and manoeuvrability in shallow waters where conventional ships may be less effective.

Its design supports rapid response and close-range ASW operations, helping neutralise threats posed by hostile submarines along India’s vast coastline and critical economic zones.

Why is anti-submarine warfare vital for India’s maritime security?

With increased submarine activity in the Indian Ocean Region— driven by regional rivalries and the presence of extra-regional powers— ASW has become a critical focus for the Indian Navy. Shallow water crafts like INS Arnala enhance India’s ability to detect and neutralise undersea threats near its coastline, naval bases, and strategic installations.

By commissioning a new class of ASW vessels, the Indian Navy is reinforcing its layered defence strategy, ensuring readiness against emerging underwater threats, and maintaining credible deterrence in the region.

How does Arnala reflect India’s push for indigenous naval production?

INS Arnala represents a significant milestone in India’s domestic defence manufacturing. Over 80% of its components are sourced from Indian companies, including defence giants like Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), L&T, Mahindra Defence, and Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL). The project has also mobilised over 55 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributing to employment generation and economic growth.

Constructed under a Public-Private Partnership model, the ship’s successful delivery to the Navy in May 2025 highlights India’s increasing capacity to design, build, and commission complex warships entirely at home.