Indian Navy to commission first anti-submarine shallow water warship ‘Arnala’
text_fields
The Indian Navy is set to induct its first anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC) class warship, Arnala, in a formal commissioning ceremony on June 18 at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.
The event will be presided over by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
According to Navy officials, Arnala is equipped for a variety of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, subsurface surveillance, search and rescue operations, and low-intensity maritime tasks.
The 77-metre-long warship has a displacement of over 1,490 tonnes and is the largest Indian naval vessel to use a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion system.
“This warship incorporates more than 80 per cent indigenous content and integrates advanced systems from leading Indian defence firms, including Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), L&T, Mahindra Defence, and MEIL,” a Navy spokesperson said.
The induction of Arnala marks a milestone in India’s efforts toward strengthening its coastal defence network and enhancing maritime self-reliance under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. It also underscores India’s growing strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
Designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and built in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders, the vessel was constructed under the supervision of the Directorate of Ship Production and Warship Overseeing Teams in Kolkata and Kattupalli. It was officially delivered to the Navy on May 8.
The project brought together contributions from over 55 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), providing a boost to local industries and associated economic activity.
Named after the historic Arnala Fort located off the coast of Vasai in Maharashtra, the warship pays homage to India's rich maritime legacy. Built in 1737 by the Marathas under Chimaji Appa, the fort was strategically positioned to monitor the mouth of the Vaitarna River and served as a key defence point on the northern Konkan coast.
“Much like the fort, which stood resiliently against various threats, the ship is designed to have a formidable presence at sea. Its robust construction and advanced capabilities ensure that it can withstand the challenges of the maritime domain, safeguarding India's waters from emerging threats,” the Navy said.
The ship’s crest features a stylised auger shell on a blue background, with its name inscribed in Devanagari script. The auger shell, known for its tough, spiral shape and precision tip, represents resilience and dominance—qualities that reflect Arnala’s mission and capabilities.
“The auger shell, known for its spiralled, reinforced structure and precision tip, symbolises resilience, vigilance, survival, and dominance in challenging environments, which mirrors the essence of the ship built to withstand the relentless forces of the ocean and undertake flawless anti-submarine operations with precise ordnance on target,” the Navy noted.
Beneath the crest is a ribbon bearing the ship’s motto: Arnave Shauryam—which translates to “Valour in the Ocean.” This motto captures the ship’s spirit and serves as a constant reminder to its crew to remain courageous and resolute in any maritime challenge.
