Meet INS Arnala: India’s Trailblazing Indigenous Anti-Submarine Shallow Water Craft Joins the Navy

INS Arnala Joins the Indian Navy: A Milestone in Coastal Defense

In a significant leap for India’s coastal security, the Indian Navy has welcomed a new vessel, INS Arnala. This is the nation’s first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), designed and built locally. The commissioning ceremony took place at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan in attendance.

INS Arnala was created by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. It was delivered to the Indian Navy on May 8, 2025. This ship is the first of eight ASW-SWCs planned to improve India’s coastal defense capabilities. The Defence Minister highlighted this project as part of the government’s push for "Aatmanirbhar Bharat," or self-reliant India, showcasing over 80% indigenous content.

The vessel stretches 77 meters and is named after the historic Arnala fort located near Vasai, Maharashtra. It features advanced underwater surveillance systems and mine-laying capabilities, making it specially designed for operations in shallow waters. Interestingly, it’s the largest Indian naval warship to use a diesel engine paired with a waterjet propulsion system.

According to recent data from the Ministry of Defence, INS Arnala will play vital roles in underwater surveillance, search and rescue missions, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO). The ship’s crest prominently displays an Auger Shell, symbolizing vigilance. Its motto, "Arnave Shauryam," meaning "Valour in the Ocean," reflects the courage of its crew.

User reactions on social media have been notable, with many expressing pride in the ship’s capabilities and the emphasis on indigenous manufacturing. A tweet from the Defence Public Relations Office in Visakhapatnam captured the sentiment, highlighting the craft’s advanced technologies and operational readiness.

Notably, the delivery of INS Arnala coincided with heightened tensions during Operation Sindoor, underscoring the Navy’s commitment to readiness and the success of indigenous production.

Overall, the induction of INS Arnala marks a crucial step forward in bolstering India’s marine defense and reflects a significant investment in national security and local industry.

For more on India’s defense initiatives, you can visit the Ministry of Defence.

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