The Indian Navy has bolstered its anti-submarine warfare capabilities with the commissioning of INS Arnala, the first of its kind Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC). The commissioning ceremony took place on June 18, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, marking a significant milestone in India's pursuit of maritime self-reliance and its ability to safeguard its coastal waters. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan attended the event, highlighting the importance of the new warship in strengthening India's maritime defense strategy.
INS Arnala is the first in a series of sixteen ASW-SWC vessels designed to detect and neutralize underwater threats in shallow waters. This class of vessels is crucial for protecting India's coastline and strategic assets from enemy submarines. The ship is named after the historic Arnala Fort located off the coast of Maharashtra, a fitting tribute to India's rich maritime heritage.
Designed for a wide range of anti-submarine operations, INS Arnala is equipped for subsurface surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue missions, and low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO). The 77-meter-long warship has a displacement of over 1,490 tonnes and is the largest Indian Naval ship propelled by a diesel engine-waterjet combination. This propulsion system gives the ship exceptional agility and maneuverability, allowing it to operate effectively in shallow waters. With a draft of only 2.7 meters, INS Arnala can access coastal areas that larger warships cannot, making it ideal for hunting submarines lurking near the shore. The vessel can achieve speeds of up to 25 knots and has an operational range of 1,800 nautical miles.
INS Arnala boasts an impressive array of weaponry and sensors, including RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers, lightweight torpedo launchers, and mine-laying capabilities. It is also equipped with a 30 mm naval gun with electro-optic fire control and remotely operated 12.7 mm machine guns. For underwater surveillance, the ship has advanced hull-mounted and towed variable-depth sonar systems, ensuring comprehensive sub-surface detection capabilities. The vessel is also equipped with an ASW Combat Suite, a DRDO-developed IAC MOD 'C' combat suite, a Fire Control System (FCS), an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), an Automatic Power Management System (APMS), and a Battle Damage Control System (BDCS).
A key feature of INS Arnala is its high level of indigenization, with over 80% of its systems and components sourced from within India. This reflects India's commitment to "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) and its growing capabilities in defense manufacturing. The ship was built through a public-private partnership between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and L&T Shipbuilders, showcasing the success of collaborative defense production. GRSE was awarded the Raksha Mantri's Award 2022 for designing the 'most silent ship'.
The commissioning of INS Arnala is a significant boost to the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities, particularly in shallow waters. The ship will play a vital role in protecting India's coastline, securing its maritime interests, and maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean Region. With its advanced technology, versatile capabilities, and high indigenous content, INS Arnala is a testament to India's growing maritime power and its commitment to self-reliance in defense. General Chauhan emphasized that India has transitioned from a "Buyer's Navy" to a "Builder's Navy", with numerous ships under construction domestically, including capital warships and support vessels. This further solidifies India's position as a significant force in global naval shipbuilding.
