Indian Navy Set to Launch Its First Shallow Water Craft for Anti-Submarine Operations

Image Credits: Wikipedia

As reported by Teh Hindu, the Indian Navy is gearing up for a significant fleet expansion in 2025, with plans to introduce nine to ten new warships between June and December.

Kicking off this initiative is the INS Arnala, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), set to be commissioned on June 18 at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. This event marks the entry of the first of 16 ASW-SWC vessels into active service. Officials anticipate that these ships will enhance naval operations in shallow waters, focusing on submarine detection, rescue missions, and ensuring maritime security in less threatening environments.

INS Arnala was crafted by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) based in Kolkata, alongside L&T Shipbuilders. According to official sources, this project was overseen by the Directorate of Ship Production and monitored by Warship Overseeing Teams located in Kolkata and Kattupalli.The vessel was officially handed over to the Navy on May 8, 2025.Notably, this warship is distinguished as the largest Indian Navy ship utilizing a diesel engine-waterjet system. It spans 77.6 meters with a gross tonnage exceeding 1,490 tonnes and boasts over 80% indigenous components.

Defense officials highlighted that INS Arnala incorporates cutting-edge technology from prominent Indian defense companies like Bharat Electronics Limited and Mahindra Defense. Additionally, more than 55 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contributed to its construction.the commissioning ceremony will be led by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar from the Eastern Naval Command.

Named after Arnala Fort near Vasai in Maharashtra—built back in 1737 under Chimaji Appa—the ship features a crest adorned with a stylized auger shell against a blue backdrop symbolizing strength and vigilance essential for anti-submarine tasks.Officials also indicated that one or two additional ASW-SWC vessels are anticipated later this year alongside INS Arnala’s induction into service. Other upcoming vessels include:

• INS tamal, which is set to become the second talwar-class stealth frigate under an Indo-Russian agreement established back in 2016.
• A diving support ship currently being constructed at hindustan Shipyard Limited.
• At least one Nilgiri-class frigate from Project 17A being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) along with GRSE; another may also be ready before year-end.
• A large survey vessel also under construction at GRSE.

Earlier this year saw another milestone for the Navy with its induction of INS Vagsheer—the sixth Kalvari-class submarine—under Project 75 back in January. This diesel-electric submarine operates stealthily underwater using batteries while switching to diesel engines when surfaced.

Along with these developments, there’s excitement about receiving two more MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the United States soon; out of an order for twenty-four units total so far thirteen have been delivered successfully.