INS Arnala: India's Newest Anti-Submarine Warfare Vessel Set for Commissioning
Introduction to INS Arnala
On June 18, the Indian Navy is poised to commission its first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) named 'Arnala' at the naval dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The ceremony will be led by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.
Key Features of INS Arnala
The vessel boasts over 80% indigenous content, incorporating advanced systems from leading Indian defense firms such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), L&T, Mahindra Defence, and MEIL.
A total of 55 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) contributed to the ship's development, bolstering the domestic defense sector.
INS Arnala measures 77 meters in length and weighs over 1,490 tons.
It is equipped with a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion system.
The Indian Navy plans to deploy this ship for anti-submarine warfare operations, including underwater surveillance, search and rescue missions, and low-intensity maritime tasks.
The ship's name is inspired by the historic Arnala Fort in Vasai, Maharashtra, built by the Marathas in 1737, strategically located at the mouth of the Vaitarna River.
The vessel features a stylish auger shell on its crest against a blue background, symbolizing resilience, vigilance, and dominance in challenging conditions.
The auger shell represents the ship's ability to endure harsh environments and execute precise anti-submarine operations.
The ship's motto, "Arnave Shauryam," inscribed in Devanagari, translates to "Courage at Sea," reflecting its operational ethos.
The commissioning ceremony will be hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command.
Operational Capabilities
'Arnala' is designed for various missions, including underwater surveillance, search and rescue, and low-intensity maritime operations.
More than 80% of the ship's systems have been developed indigenously, featuring advanced technologies from top Indian defense companies.
Heritage and Symbolism
The ship is named after the historic Arnala Fort near Vasai, which was constructed by the Marathas under Chimaji Appa in 1737 to protect the Vaitarna River mouth and the northern Konkan coast.
The ship's armored hull draws inspiration from the fort's resilient stone walls, while its advanced weaponry and sensors represent modernity alongside traditional fortifications.
The stylish crest on the ship symbolizes precision, strength, and vigilance, with the motto 'Arnave Shauryam' beneath it, embodying the spirit and resolve of the vessel and its crew.
Commissioning Ceremony Details
The ceremony will be attended by senior naval officials, dignitaries, shipbuilders, and stakeholders involved in the ship's construction.
Historical Significance
#GRSE created history today with the delivery of INS Arnala, the first ship of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) class, to the #IndianNavy. The acceptance documents (D448) were signed by Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, and Cdr… pic.twitter.com/ublNoFL590
— GRSE - Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (@OfficialGRSE) May 8, 2025