Indian Navy to Commission INS Arnala, First in New ASW Shallow Water Craft Series

Visakhapatnam, June 7, 2025 — The Indian Navy is preparing to commission INS Arnala. This is the first of its Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) series. The event is scheduled for June 18, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff, will lead the commissioning ceremony. Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, will host the event.

A Landmark for Indigenous Naval Defence

INS Arnala marks the induction of the first of sixteen vessels in the ASW-SWC class. These vessels are part of India’s efforts to strengthen maritime defence using indigenously developed technology. The ship is designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. It is constructed in collaboration with L&T Shipbuilders under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). This ship is a major milestone for the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing.

The vessel was officially delivered to the Navy on May 8, 2025. The Directorate of Ship Production closely monitored the delivery. Warship Overseeing Teams based in Kolkata and Kattupalli were also involved.

A Tribute to India’s Maritime Heritage

Named after the historic Arnala Fort near Vasai, Maharashtra, the ship draws inspiration from India’s coastal legacy. The fort was constructed by the Marathas in 1737 to guard the northern Konkan coast. It has long symbolised vigilance and resilience. These qualities are now reflected in the warship’s design and mission.

Cutting-Edge Technology with Indigenous Roots

The INS Arnala is 77 meters long and weighs over 1,490 tonnes. It is the largest Indian naval warship powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet propulsion system. Designed for anti-submarine warfare in shallow waters, it also supports Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. It can perform sub-surface surveillance. Additionally, it handles low-intensity maritime tasks.

What sets Arnala apart is its over 80% indigenous content. Its systems are developed in collaboration with premier Indian defence firms. These include Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Mahindra Defence, L&T, and MEIL. The construction process has also supported more than 55 MSMEs, driving local innovation and employment.

Symbolism in the Ship’s Crest and Motto

The ship’s crest features a stylised Auger Shell. It is a spiral sea shell known for its durability and precision. The shell is set against a deep blue background. The shell symbolises resilience, alertness, and accuracy, all critical attributes for naval operations.

Below the crest, a ribbon bears the ship’s motto: “अर्णवे शौर्यम्” (Arnave Shauryam), translating to “Valour in the Ocean”. This reflects the ship’s mission to uphold courage and dominance in India’s maritime frontiers.

Also read: Indian Navy Reaches New Milestone in Indigenous Warship Excellence

Boosting Coastal Defence in the Indian Ocean Region

The commissioning of INS Arnala is expected to significantly enhance India’s anti-submarine capabilities, especially in coastal and shallow waters. It reinforces the Indian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region.

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