Kolkata, 21 July (H.S.) -

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), the defence public sector undertaking based in Kolkata, successfully launched the final vessel of its eight-ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) series for the Indian Navy on Monday. The warship, named Ajay, marks the culmination of a significant naval project aimed at strengthening India’s coastal defence capabilities.

The launch ceremony was held at GRSE’s Kolkata yard and was presided over by Priya Deshmukh, wife of Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, Chief of Materiel, Indian Navy. She performed the ceremonial launch as the chief guest on the occasion.

According to GRSE officials, all eight vessels in the ASW-SWC series, including Ajay, have been specifically designed and built for the Indian Navy. Each ship measures 77.6 meters in length and 10.5 meters in width and is optimized for operations in shallow coastal waters. Their key capabilities include anti-surface warfare, mine laying, and coastal patrol duties.

These warships are equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry such as lightweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, and naval mines. They are also capable of conducting coordinated anti-submarine operations in conjunction with aircraft, significantly enhancing their tactical versatility.

GRSE noted that Ajay and its sister ships are well-suited for low-intensity maritime operations as well as anti-submarine surveillance in littoral zones. With this launch, GRSE has successfully completed the delivery of all eight vessels under the ASW-SWC project, further reinforcing the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and maritime security architecture.

The induction of these vessels is expected to play a vital role in securing India’s vast coastline and supporting future naval strategies in shallow and semi-enclosed waters.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh