The Indian Navy is set to enhance its coastal defense capabilities with the commissioning of the anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC) Arnala at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam today, June 18. This induction marks a significant step towards bolstering India's indigenous defense manufacturing under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision.

The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan, with senior naval officers from the Eastern Naval Command and representatives from the shipbuilding industry also in attendance.

Named after the historic fort off Vasai, Maharashtra, the Arnala is the first of eight ASW-SWCs indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. It was delivered to the Indian Navy on May 8.

Purpose-built for coastal submarine hunting

While larger naval assets like frigates and destroyers possess anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, their primary roles remain offensive, focusing on anti-air and anti-surface missions.

In contrast, the Arnala-class is purpose-built for defensive operations, specifically targeting submarines in coastal areas.

"The platform is designed for subsurface surveillance, search and rescue operations and low intensity maritime operations (LIMO); alongside its primary role in anti-submarine warfare. It is further equipped with mine-laying capabilities, a rare feature for its class," the Navy stated.

Naval sources emphasized the strategic necessity of these specialized vessels. "There is a possibility of the adversary's submarines being required to navigate littoral (coastal) zones with depths as shallow as 50 to 60 metres to achieve effective torpedo firing positions. Arnala is engineered to detect, track and engage such threats at stand-off ranges, mitigating risks to high-value surface assets operating in proximity," sources explained.

At 77 meters in length and displacing over 1,490 tonnes, the Arnala stands as the largest Indian naval vessel to be powered by a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion system. This unique combination significantly enhances its speed and maneuverability, particularly in shallow waters.

The induction of these ASW-SWC ships is expected to substantially boost the Indian Navy's shallow water anti-submarine warfare capabilities. With over 80% indigenous content, the Arnala's delivery is a testament to the Indian Navy's commitment to self-reliance in shipbuilding.

A second vessel in the ASW-SWC series is anticipated to be commissioned later this year. The Navy plans to eventually deploy all sixteen ASW-SWC vessels to safeguard India's major ports, forming a robust anti-submarine shield along the nation's extensive coastline.