INS Arnala: Indian Navy Commissions First Indigenously Built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft

Indian Navy on Wednesday (18 June) commissioned INS Arnala, the first indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), into its naval fleet, Akashvani reported.

The INS Arnala was inducted into Indian Navy a ceremony held on Wednesday (June 18), at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan attended the commissioning ceremony.

This marked the induction of the first of 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts.

INS Arnala is an indigenously built 77 metre warship designed to detect and fight enemy submarines in shallow waters close to the coast.

Weighing over 1490 tonnes, it is the largest Indian Navy vessel to use a diesel engine–waterjet combination, making it agile and powerful.

The warship can carry out sub-surface surveillance, search and rescue missions, and low-intensity maritime operations, such as patrolling and anti-smuggling efforts.

It comes equipped with modern sensors and weapon systems, showcasing India’s growing capability in producing advanced naval technology.

The shallow water craft is built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in partnership with Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding. According to Ministry of Defence, INS Arnala stands as a proud symbol of national strength, industrial partnership and naval excellence.

It is named after the historic coastal fort of Arnala in Maharashtra.

Arnala Fort, also known as Jaldurg, was built by the Portuguese and later rebuilt by Maratha ruler Chimaji Appa in the 18th century.

Located at the mouth of the Vaitarna River, it once guarded key maritime routes.

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