In a landmark moment for India’s indigenous shipbuilding program, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has launched the eighth and final AntiSubmarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), named ‘Ajay’, at its Kolkata shipyard. This marks the culmination of a Rs 6,311 crore contract awarded in 2019 to bolster India’s coastal defence capabilities.
Key highlights of the launch:
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‘Ajay’ joins the Arnalaclass fleet, designed for subsurface surveillance, minelaying, and coordinated antisubmarine operations with aircraft.
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The vessel measures 77.6 meters in length and 10.5 meters in width, with a low draught ideal for shallow water missions.
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Equipped with lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and mines, the ship is capable of neutralizing threats within 30–40 meters depth.
Strategic context:
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The ASW SWCs are part of a 16vessel program, with eight built by GRSE and eight by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL).
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These ships will replace the aging Abhayclass corvettes and enhance India’s ability to counter growing submarine activity in the Indian Ocean Region.
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Over 80% of the vessel’s components are indigenously sourced, aligning with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Ceremonial details:
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The launch was officiated by Priya Deshmukh, wife of Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, Chief of
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Materiel, Indian Navy.
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The event was attended by senior naval officials and defence stakeholders, celebrating GRSE’s role in maritime modernization.
Sources: Millennium Post, New Indian Express, Devdiscourse, BharatShakti.in, The Morning Standard.