Kolkata, 21 July (H.S.) -
The Indian Navy is no longer just a military force, but a decisive instrument of national power projection, diplomacy, and regional stability, said Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, Chief of Materiel of the Indian Navy, on Monday. He was speaking at the launch ceremony of the Indian Navy’s eighth and final anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow water craft, Ajay, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
The ship was ceremonially launched by Priya Deshmukh, wife of Vice Admiral Deshmukh. Ajay is part of a fleet of sixteen ASW shallow water crafts being constructed for the Navy, with eight of them built by GRSE. The project marks a major milestone in India’s push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Highlighting the evolving maritime security landscape, Vice Admiral Deshmukh emphasized that in an era marked by global competition, resource control, and rising security threats, the role of the Indian Navy has become increasingly crucial. He noted that the Indian Ocean region handles 80 percent of global maritime trade, positioning India as a key player in ensuring maritime security and leading humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions.
Deshmukh also reiterated India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, stating that shipyards across the country are now building a diverse range of warships for the Navy. GRSE, he said, has constructed over 110 warships for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard—more than any other Indian shipyard.
He added that India is among the select few countries capable of designing and building modern warships, conventional and nuclear submarines, and aircraft carriers domestically. The newly launched Ajay represents the third generation of its namesake. The first Ajay was launched by GRSE in September 1961, over six decades ago.
Speaking on the vessel’s capabilities, GRSE Chairman and Managing Director Commodore (Retd) P. R. Hari said that Ajay has been specially designed with a shallow draft for effective coastal operations. The ship is equipped to engage surface targets, lay mines, and conduct ASW surveillance missions. It features advanced weaponry, including lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and mines, and is capable of coordinated operations with aircraft.
The induction of Ajay significantly boosts India’s coastal defence infrastructure and reaffirms the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
