9 May, 2025;In a significant stride towards self-reliance in defence production, India has delivered its first indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), named ‘Arnala’, to the Indian Navy. This delivery marks a major milestone under the country’s ambitious ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative and provides a substantial boost to the Navy’s coastal anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
A New Era in Indigenous Naval Power
‘Arnala’ is the first in a series of eight ASW-SWC vessels, being developed to strengthen India’s ability to detect and counter underwater threats near its coastline. The ship was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata and was handed over to the Navy at the Larsen & Toubro (L&T) shipyard in Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu.
Measuring 77 meters in length, ‘Arnala’ is designed specifically for coastal ASW operations, mine laying, and maritime surveillance. Its shallow draft makes it ideal for operating in littoral (nearshore) waters where larger warships may not be as effective.
Features and Indigenous Focus
What sets ‘Arnala’ apart is its remarkable 80% indigenous content, demonstrating India’s growing naval design and manufacturing capabilities. Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and weapon systems tailored for anti-submarine warfare, the vessel is capable of identifying and neutralizing underwater threats with precision.
The ship’s construction reflects the Indian Navy’s strategy to enhance localized production and reduce dependency on foreign equipment. It also aligns with the broader vision of bolstering national security while simultaneously supporting domestic industries.
Symbol of Heritage and Modernity
The ship is named after Arnala Island, located off the coast of Maharashtra, which has historical significance as a maritime fort and symbol of coastal defence. The name pays tribute to India’s rich naval heritage while also representing a new generation of modern, agile, and combat-ready vessels.
With the growing presence of hostile submarines in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), platforms like the ASW-SWC are crucial for safeguarding national interests. The addition of ‘Arnala’ enhances the Navy’s preparedness to tackle sub-surface threats in congested and shallow waters—areas often targeted in asymmetric maritime warfare.
The successful delivery and commissioning of this vessel serve as a testament to India’s evolving naval architecture, indigenous production capabilities, and commitment to maritime security.
The induction of ‘Arnala’ into the Indian Navy marks more than just the arrival of a new warship—it symbolizes India’s growing confidence in its defence manufacturing sector and its ability to meet strategic naval needs indigenously. As more vessels in this class are delivered in the coming years, India’s maritime forces will be better equipped to secure its coastal waters and uphold regional stability.
