Why in news?
INS Arnala, the first indigenously designed and built Anti‑Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW‑SWC) of the Indian Navy, has drawn attention as a symbol of India’s shift from importing warships to building them domestically.
Background
For decades, the Indian Navy procured many of its ships from foreign shipyards. In line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Ministry of Defence has encouraged domestic shipbuilding. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata designed and built INS Arnala for coastal anti‑submarine operations. The vessel was launched in December 2022, delivered after sea trials and commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command on 18 June 2025.
Key features
- Dimensions: INS Arnala is about 77 m long with a displacement of roughly 1,490 tonnes.
- Propulsion: It is the largest Indian naval warship propelled by a diesel engine–waterjet combination, providing high manoeuvrability for shallow‑water operations.
- Roles: Designed for underwater surveillance, search and rescue, mine‑laying and low‑intensity maritime operations. Its primary mission is to detect and neutralise hostile submarines in coastal waters.
- Indigenous systems: Over 80 percent of the vessel’s equipment — including stealth features, electronic warfare systems and sensors — is made in India.
- Heritage: Named after the historic Arnala Fort off Vasai, Maharashtra, continuing the Navy’s tradition of linking ships with national heritage.
Significance
- From buyers to builders: INS Arnala exemplifies India’s move towards self‑reliance in defence production. Building complex warships domestically enhances strategic autonomy and creates jobs across public and private sectors.
- Strengthening coastal defence: Shallow‑water crafts are critical for protecting ports, sea lanes and offshore assets. With advanced sensors and weapons, INS Arnala can operate independently or within task groups.
- Maritime diplomacy: Indigenous warship construction demonstrates India’s technological capabilities and can lead to export opportunities and deeper collaboration with friendly navies.
Source: Times of India
