Indian Navy Gets Anti-Submarine Craft Arnala Amid Conflict With Pakistan

In an important spice up to India’s coastal defence functions amid ongoing warfare with Pakistan, the Indian Navy on Wednesday took supply of ‘Arnala’, the primary in a chain of 8 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs), at L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu.

The vessel, indigenously designed through Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, marks a significant step ahead in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence production. Built in collaboration with L&T Shipyard below a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) style, the send meets the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification requirements.

“Arnala is named after the historic fort ‘Arnala’ located off Vasai, Maharashtra, a reflection of India’s rich maritime heritage. The 77 m long warship, is the largest Indian Naval warship propelled by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination. The ship has been designed for underwater surveillance, search & rescue operations and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO). The ship is capable of undertaking ASW operations in coastal waters, along with advanced mine laying capabilities,” stated the defence ministry in a observation.

Its induction is predicted to noticeably strengthen the Navy’s anti-submarine war functions in coastal areas.

The supply of ‘Arnala’ underscores the Indian Navy’s dedication to indigenous shipbuilding and aligns with the federal government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, with greater than 80% of the send’s parts sourced regionally.