India to Commission ‘INS Arnala’: In a moment that marks a new chapter in India’s naval defense capabilities, the Indian Navy is all set to commission ‘Arnala’, the first warship under the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) series, on June 18 at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The ceremony will be presided over by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, highlighting the ship’s strategic and symbolic importance to India’s maritime future.
#GRSE created history today with the delivery of INS Arnala, the first ship of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) class, to the #IndianNavy. The acceptance documents (D448) were signed by Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, and Cdr… pic.twitter.com/ublNoFL590
— GRSE – Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (@OfficialGRSE) May 8, 2025
More Than Just a Warship: A Testament to Indigenous Strength
‘Arnala’ is not just a military asset—it is a powerful representation of India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. With over 80% indigenous content, the warship integrates cutting-edge systems from top Indian defense firms including Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), L&T, Mahindra Defence, and MEIL.
A Navy spokesperson confirmed,
“This ship is a true reflection of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, built with Indian innovation, technology, and resolve.”
A Key Player in India’s Coastal Security Strategy
The ship is the first of 16 vessels planned under the ASW-SWC class, designed to enhance India’s anti-submarine and coastal defense capabilities. From subsurface surveillance to search and rescue missions, ‘Arnala’ has been crafted for high-precision, low-intensity maritime operations essential for safeguarding the nation’s extensive coastline.
Measuring 77 meters in length and displacing over 1,490 tonnes, the warship features a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion system, making it the largest Indian Navy ship to use this advanced mechanism.
Built in India, Built with Purpose
The warship was designed and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in collaboration with L&T Shipbuilders. This public-private partnership is a landmark in India’s indigenous shipbuilding program.
Delivered to the Indian Navy on May 8, ‘Arnala’ was constructed under the watchful eyes of the Directorate of Ship Production, with Warship Overseeing Teams stationed in Kolkata and Kattupalli ensuring top-quality execution.
More than 55 MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) participated in this project—boosting local industry, encouraging skill development, and generating employment across the country.
A Warship With History: From Maratha Fort to Modern Steel
What gives ‘Arnala’ its unique soul is its name—drawn from the iconic Arnala Fort near Vasai, Maharashtra. Built in 1737 by Maratha commander Chimaji Appa, the fort once stood as a coastal sentinel guarding the Vaitarna River and Konkan coastline.
The spirit of that fort has been reimagined in steel.
‘Arnala’s’ armoured hull mirrors the fort’s resilient stone walls, while its state-of-the-art sensors and weapons pay homage to the traditional cannons once perched atop the ancient fortress.
The ship’s crest, a stylized auger shell, represents precision, vigilance, and enduring strength. Beneath it lies its motto, ‘Arnave Shauryam’, meaning Valour in the Ocean—a tribute to the courage of the crew and the enduring legacy of Indian warriors.
Commissioning Day: A Milestone Event
The commissioning ceremony on June 18 will be hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command. The event will be attended by senior naval leaders, policymakers, industry partners, and stakeholders who played a role in this remarkable journey.
It will not just mark the induction of a warship—it will stand as a celebration of national capability, pride, and vision.
A New Era of Naval Confidence
With the commissioning of ‘Arnala’, the Indian Navy takes a giant leap in coastal defense and underwater warfare preparedness. More importantly, it is a definitive step forward in India’s journey towards strategic autonomy in defense production.
As India strengthens its maritime footprint, ‘Arnala’ sails as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and the courage to stand firm in an unpredictable world.
