INS Arnala commissioned into Indian Navy on 18 June 2025 strengthens India’s coastal defence with indigenous ASW shallow water technology under Make in India.
Introduction to INS Arnala
On 18 June 2025, the Indian Navy officially inducted INS Arnala, the first of a series of 16 Anti‑Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW‑SWC), into service at Visakhapatnam’s Naval Dockyard This vessel marks a leap in India’s maritime defence strategy, specifically tailored to detect and neutralize submarines in shallow coastal waters.
Design & Construction
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in collaboration with L&T’s Kattupalli yard, INS Arnala is approximately 77.6 m long and displaces about 1,490 tonnes Uniquely propelled by a diesel engine–waterjet combination, it’s the first Indian warship to employ this propulsion Additionally, with over 80% indigenous content—including sensors and systems from BEL, L&T, Mahindra Defence, and MEIL—it exemplifies the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” vision
Cutting‑Edge Capabilities
Designed for the demanding environment of littoral zones, INS Arnala is equipped with advanced subsurface sensors (like Hull-Mounted Sonar Abhay, UWACS, and LFVDS) integrated into a modern Combat Management System. Its armament suite includes light torpedoes, ASW rockets, anti-torpedo decoys, and mine-laying systems, enhancing its versatility across ASW operations, surveillance, search & rescue, and mine warfare
Strategic Significance
At the commissioning event, CDS General Anil Chauhan highlighted INS Arnala as evidence of India’s transformation from a “buyer’s navy” to a “builder’s navy.” This class of vessels augments coastal defence and complements larger warships in the Indian Ocean Region, boosting deterrence, especially during operations like Operation Sindoor With a shallow draft of 2.7 m, INS Arnala is optimally designed for stealthy manoeuvres near shorelines
Why This News Is Important
Enhancing Coastal Security
INS Arnala enhances India’s surveillance and response capabilities in shallow coastal waters, areas where larger vessels are less effective. The vessel’s ability to detect and neutralize mini/midget submarines—particularly near key ports—strengthens defence readiness
Indigenous Defence Push
With over 80% local content, INS Arnala embodies the Make in India initiative, reducing dependence on foreign imports and strengthening domestic defence manufacturing
Maritime Deterrence in the Indian Ocean
The induction aligns with India’s broader maritime strategy. It helps maintain dominance in the Indian Ocean Region, especially against strategic challenges posed by neighbouring countries like Pakistan and China .
Historical Context
- ASW‑SWC Programme Origins (Dec 2020): The anti-submarine shallow craft project was launched under Make in India, with GRSE and Cochin Shipyard designing 16 vessels to replace ageing Abhay-class corvettes
- Steel-Cutting & Keel Laying: GRSE began construction in Dec 2020; keel laid in August 2021; sea trials completed by March 2025; delivered in May 2025
- Naval Self‑Reliance: Reflecting India’s transition to a “builder’s navy,” the commissioning symbolizes an upswing in domestic shipbuilding capacity and technological prowess
Key Takeaways from INS Arnala
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | Commissioning Date & Venue: INS Arnala was commissioned on 18 June 2025 at Visakhapatnam |
| 2. | Design & Propulsion: A 77.6 m, 1,490 tonne vessel using diesel–waterjet propulsion—the first of its kind . |
| 3. | Indigenous Content: Over 80% local content from BEL, L&T, Mahindra Defence, MEIL, and 55+ MSMEs . |
| 4. | Technological Arsenal: Equipped with Abhay sonar, lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, anti-torpedo decoys, mine-laying gear, and CMS . |
| 5. | Strategic Role: Enhances India’s coastal defence in littoral zones, boosting maritime security and Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals . |
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is INS Arnala?
INS Arnala is the first vessel in a series of 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWC) commissioned by the Indian Navy to strengthen coastal defence.
Q2. Where and when was INS Arnala commissioned?
INS Arnala was commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on 18 June 2025.
Q3. Who built INS Arnala?
It was designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and built at L&T’s Kattupalli shipyard under the Make in India initiative.
Q4. What is the role of INS Arnala in naval operations?
It is designed for anti-submarine warfare in shallow coastal waters and is equipped with sonar systems, torpedoes, rockets, and decoys.
Q5. Why is INS Arnala important for exams?
This topic is relevant under Indian defence developments, maritime security, Make in India policy, and technological advancement in the Indian Navy.
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