DelIVERY Of ‘ARN ALA’- FIRST ANTI SUBMARINE WARFARE SHALLOW WATER CRAFT TO THE INDIAN NAVY
Introduction: A-call to Action – The First Step in Shaping a Stronger Indian Navy
“Arnala, the first of the eight Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft (SWC) vessels, indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, has recently been successfully delivered to the Indian Navy on May 8, 2025.” This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s quest for indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and reinforces its commitment to pursuing ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (AIB) vision of building 80% of our ships on our own shores.
The Journey Begins – An Underwater Journey with GRSE
Arnala represents the first step in this journey. Designed and constructed under the guidance of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between GRSE and M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, Arnoldala was not just a vessel but a testament to the collaboration between India’s government and its military forces.
“Arnala is named after the historic fort ‘Arnala’ located off Vasai, Maharashtra, which reflects India’s rich maritime heritage.” The warship, designed under Classifications Rules of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), aligns with Collaborative Defense Manufacturing principles, showcasing the success of collaborative defense manufacturing.
Arnala: A vessels for Shallow Water Operations
“Arnala is named after the historic fort Arnolda, a reflection of India’s rich maritime heritage.” With its large length of 77 meters, Arnoldala is a state-of-the-art vessel designed for undersea surveillance, search-and-rescue operations, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO). Its capacity to undertake ASW operations in coastal waters makes it an invaluable asset to the Indian Navy.
“Arnala is the largest Indian Naval warship propelled by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination.” This design choice ensures high efficiency while delivering resilience and speed for both deep and shallow water environments. Its ability to handle LIMO capabilities makes it an ideal candidate for future missions in strategic coastal regions.
Arnala’s Role as a Bridge Between India and the World
The delivery of Arnoldala marks another significant step toward integrated global supply chain collaboration. With its PPP status, Arnoldala is not only a vessel for India but also a vessel that can be supplied to around the world. This aligns with the Indian Navy’s broader strategy of pursuing ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (AIB) vision, where 80% of our ships are built on Indian soil.
“Arnala is yet another milestone in the Indian Navy’s quest for indigenous shipbuilding and upholding the Government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’” The success of Arnoldala reinforces the government’s commitment to creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and building a sustainable future for India.
Conclusion: A Step Toward a Stronger Indian Navy
The journey from the first ASW SWC ship to its successful delivery represents a major step toward shaping an even stronger Indian Navy. Through relentless collaboration between GRSE, M/s L&T Shipyard, and other stakeholders**, Arnoldala is not only meeting international standards but also contributing to India’s long-term strategic goals.
As the Indian Navy continues its quest for indigenous shipbuilding capabilities,Arnala serves as a reminder of India’s ingenuity and commitment to pursuing ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (AIB) vision.
“Arnala is an indication that the Indian Navy is making progress in delivering ships of superior quality, and this success will only continue to inspire more.”