INS Arnala: India's First Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft Set for Commissioning

Commissioning of INS Arnala
New Delhi, June 18: The Indian Navy is preparing to commission INS Arnala, marking the introduction of the nation's first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) designed and constructed domestically. This event will take place at the Visakhapatnam dockyard under the Eastern Naval Command on Wednesday.
The Indian Navy's spokesperson shared the development on social media platform X, detailing the transformation of Arnala from its initial design to a fully operational warship. A video showcasing this journey was also released, emphasizing the dedication involved in its construction.
The Navy's post on X stated, “India's first indigenously designed and built Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft is ready for commissioning today, #18Jun 25. Here’s the Journey of Arnala From Blueprint ... to A Warship.”
Named after the historic fort ‘Arnala’ near Vasai, Maharashtra, this vessel is a tribute to India's maritime legacy. It is the first of eight ASW SWCs, which were designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, and was handed over to the Indian Navy on May 8 at L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli.
As per a government announcement, the warship was constructed following the Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between GRSE and L&T Shipyard, showcasing the effectiveness of collaborative defense manufacturing.
Measuring 77 meters in length, Arnala is the largest Indian naval vessel powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet system. It is equipped for underwater surveillance, search and rescue missions, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).
The ship is adept at conducting ASW operations in coastal regions and possesses advanced mine-laying capabilities.
The addition of ASW SWC vessels is expected to enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities in shallow water Anti-Submarine Warfare significantly.
The delivery of Arnala represents a significant achievement in the Indian Navy's commitment to indigenous shipbuilding and aligns with the government's vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat,’ featuring over 80 percent indigenous content.