Visakhapatnam: In a major boost for the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Indian Navy is all set to commission the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), Arnala, at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, on June 18, 2025. The ceremony will be presided over by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan. The ceremony will be hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, and attended by senior naval officials, distinguished guests, and representatives from the shipbuilders and various other agencies associated with its construction.
Arnala will be the first of the 16 ASW-SWC class ships inducted into the Indian Navy. It is designed and constructed by M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The event marks the formal induction of the first of the sixteen ASW-SWC class ships into the Indian Navy. Designed and constructed by M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with M/s L&T Shipbuilders, it marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding efforts. “Arnala is a testament to the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing,” the Defence Ministry said in a press release.
Constructed under the guidance of the Directorate of Ship Production and the oversight of the Warship Overseeing Teams in Kolkata and Kattupalli, Arnala was delivered to the Indian Navy on May 8, 2025.
How was ASW-SWC Arnala named?
It is named after the historic Arnala Fort off Vasai in Maharashtra. “The warship reflects India’s rich maritime heritage. Much like the fort, which stood resiliently against various threats, the ship is designed to have a formidable presence at sea. Its robust construction and advanced capabilities ensure that it can withstand the challenges of the maritime domain, safeguarding India’s waters from emerging threats,” the ministry said.
ASW-SWC Arnala is aligned with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat Programme
As per the Defence Ministry, the warship incorporates more than 80 per cent indigenous content and integrates advanced systems from leading Indian defence firms, including Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), L&T, Mahindra Defence, and MEIL. The project has engaged over 55 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), promoting domestic industry and generating related economic activity.
Designed for a range of ASW operations, Arnala is equipped to conduct subsurface surveillance, search and rescue missions, and low-intensity maritime operations. This 77.6 m long warship, with a gross tonnage of over 1490 tonnes, is the largest Indian Naval warship to be propelled by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination.
“The commissioning of Arnala will mark a transformative moment in India’s naval capabilities, strengthening coastal defence and reaffirming India’s position as a self-reliant maritime power in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region,” the ministry said.
Key Features of ASW-SWC Arnala:
Design & Construction
- Length: Approximately 77 meters
- Beam: 10.5 meters
- Draught: 2.7 meters
- Displacement: Around 900 tonnes
- Propulsion: Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination, making it the largest Indian naval ship with this propulsion system
- Speed & Endurance: Maximum speed of 25 knots and an endurance of over 1,800 nautical miles at 14 knots
- Crew Complement: Accommodates approximately 57 personnel, including 7 officers
Armament & Combat Systems
Primary ASW Weapons:
- RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher
- Lightweight torpedo launchers, likely for Advanced Light Weight Torpedoes (ALWT)
- Mine rails for deploying anti-submarine mines
Secondary Armament:
- 30mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG) with Electro Optical Fire Control System (EOFCS)
- Two 12.7mm Stabilised Remote Controlled Guns (SRCG) with optronic control systems
Sensors & Stealth Features
Sonar Systems:
- Abhay hull-mounted sonar, developed by DRDO’s Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL)
- Towed Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonar (LFVDS), developed in collaboration with Atlas Elektronik
Stealth Capabilities:
- Reduced radar cross-section
- Low acoustic and infrared signatures
- Waterjet propulsion for quieter operation
Operational Roles
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations in coastal and shallow waters
- Subsurface surveillance and coordinated ASW missions with maritime patrol aircraft
- Mine laying to protect strategic maritime zones
- Search and Rescue (SAR) operations
- Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO)
Indigenous Content & Strategic Significance
- Over 80% indigenous content, with significant contributions from Indian defence firms and over 55 MSMEs
- Built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and L&T Shipbuilders
- Named after the historic Arnala Fort off Vasai, Maharashtra, reflecting India’s rich maritime heritage
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