Image Source: Aaj Tak
India is set to commission its first home-built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), INS Arnala, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on June 18. This warship, designed and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in collaboration with L&T Shipbuilders, marks a significant milestone in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative for defense manufacturing.
1. Indigenous Design & Construction
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INS Arnala is 80% indigenous, with most components sourced from Indian defense companies like BEL, L&T, Mahindra Defence, and MEIL
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55 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contributed to its development, strengthening India’s domestic defense industry.
2. Compact Yet Powerful
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The warship measures 77 meters in length and weighs over 1,490 tonnes.
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It is powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet system, making it highly maneuverable in shallow waters.
3. Advanced Anti-Submarine Capabilities
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INS Arnala is designed for subsurface surveillance, search and rescue, and low-intensity maritime missions.
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It is equipped with sonar arrays and mine-laying gear, enhancing India’s coastal defense.
4. Historic Inspiration
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The ship is named after Arnala Fort, a Maratha-built fortress off Vasai, Maharashtra, strategically located near the Vaitarna River mouth.
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The crest features a stylized Auger Shell, symbolizing resilience, vigilance, and supremacy in harsh conditions.
5. Motto & Symbolism
The ship’s motto, “Arnave Shauryam”, translates to “Valour in the Ocean”, reflecting its operational spirit.
6. Commissioning Ceremony
The induction ceremony will be led by General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, and hosted by Vice Adm Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
7. Strengthening India’s Naval Fleet
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INS Arnala is the first of 16 ASW-SWC class ships being developed under a Public-Private Partnership model.
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These ships will enhance India’s coastal surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
8. AI-Driven Combat Systems
The warship integrates AI-driven combat systems, improving real-time threat detection and response.
9. Strategic Deployment
INS Arnala will operate in coastal waters and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), supporting Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).
10. Future Expansion
The Indian Navy plans to expand its fleet of ASW-SWC ships, reinforcing India’s maritime security and defense preparedness.
Sources: FirstPost, Insights on India, Curren Affairs.Adda247
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