INS Arnala : India’s First Indigenous Shallow Water Anti-Submarine Warship

INS Arnala, India’s first indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, will be commissioned on June 18, 2025, in Visakhapatnam. Built under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, this 77.6m warship boosts coastal defence with over 80% indigenous content.

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INS Arnala, the first of 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), will be commissioned into the Indian Navy on June 18, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. Marking a significant milestone in India’s defence modernization drive, this indigenous warship is a key part of the ₹12,622 crore ASW-SWC programme under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

This state-of-the-art shallow water vessel is designed for operations in India’s coastal zones, aimed at countering underwater threats like stealth submarines. INS Arnala showcases India’s growing self-reliance in shipbuilding and defence technology, involving over 80% indigenous content and collaboration between GRSE and L&T Shipbuilders.

Why is INS Arnala in the News?

The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Arnala on June 18, 2025, in a grand ceremony in Visakhapatnam.
This will be the first vessel under the 16-ship ASW-SWC project, a vital step to strengthen India’s coastal anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
The ship was delivered to the Indian Navy on May 8, 2025.
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, will preside over the ceremony.

What is INS Arnala?

INS Arnala is an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), specifically designed for operations close to shore. It is part of the Indian Navy’s strategic plan to secure the country’s 7,500 km long coastline against undersea threats. The ship is named after Arnala Fort, a historic maritime fort in Maharashtra, symbolizing India’s naval heritage and defence readiness.

Key Features of INS Arnala

Feature	Specification
Ship Name	INS Arnala
Class	ASW Shallow Water Craft
Commissioning Date	June 18, 2025
Delivery Date	May 8, 2025
Length	77.6 meters
Displacement	Over 1,490 tonnes
Propulsion	Diesel Engine + Waterjet
Indigenous Content	Over 80%
Built By	GRSE (Kolkata) in collaboration with L&T Shipyard (Kattupalli)
Defence Firms	BEL, L&T, Mahindra Defence, MEIL
MSMEs Involved	Over 55 enterprises

Technical and Tactical Capabilities

INS Arnala is designed for multi-role tasks in shallow water zones. Its propulsion system combines diesel engines with waterjet technology, making it the largest Indian naval ship with this rare and efficient combination.

Key Capabilities:

Submarine Detection & Tracking: Equipped with state-of-the-art sonar and sensors for underwater surveillance.
Search and Rescue Operations: Can respond quickly to emergencies along the coast.
Mine Laying and Neutralization: Enhances India’s mine warfare capabilities.
Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO): Designed to handle peacetime and grey-zone conflicts.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

INS Arnala is a shining example of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing. With over 80% indigenous components, it integrates systems from top Indian defence firms, including:

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) – Advanced electronic systems
L&T Defence – Engineering and fabrication
Mahindra Defence – Mission-critical components
MEIL – Naval hardware support

The ship’s construction involved over 55 MSMEs, reinforcing local manufacturing, employment generation, and technological innovation.

Symbolism and Legacy

INS Arnala derives its name and inspiration from the historic Arnala Fort, built in 1737 by the Marathas under Chimaji Appa. The fort once safeguarded the Vaitarna River and the northern Konkan coast, playing a vital role in maritime security.

Ship’s Crest and Motto:

Crest Symbol: Stylised Auger Shell, denoting precision, strength, and resilience.
Motto: “Arnave Shauryam” – Valour in the Ocean, reflecting the courage and resolve of the vessel and its crew.

Commissioning Ceremony Details

Detail	Information
Date	June 18, 2025
Venue	Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam
Chief Guest	General Anil Chauhan (CDS)
Host	Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, FOC-in-C, Eastern Naval Command
Attendees	Senior Naval Leaders, Shipbuilders, MSMEs, Defence Officials

Strategic Significance of INS Arnala

Fills the ASW capability gap in India’s coastal waters.
Strengthens India’s ability to detect and deter underwater threats in shallow littoral zones.
Reflects a successful public-private defence collaboration model.
Enhances India’s readiness to counter grey-zone warfare scenarios.
Supports Make in India and indigenization in defence shipbuilding.