Kolkata, 18 June (H.S.):
The Indian Navy has added another state-of-the-art vessel to its fleet with the commissioning of INS Arnala at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. The formal induction of the vessel marks a significant milestone in the illustrious history of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, which developed the warship under a pioneering public-private partnership with L&T Kattupalli.
In a statement issued by GRSE headquarters in Kolkata, it was revealed that INS Arnala is the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) to be inducted into the Indian Navy. The ship also holds the distinction of being the largest diesel-engine and waterjet-propelled warship inducted so far.
High-profile Ceremony Reflects Strategic Importance
The commissioning ceremony was graced by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan as the chief guest, with other senior defence officials including Eastern Naval Command’s Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, GRSE Chairman and Managing Director Commodore PR Hari (Retd), and Coast Guard Commander ADG Donny Michael also in attendance.
Showcase of Indigenous Excellence
Built with nearly 80 percent indigenous components, INS Arnala embodies GRSE’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. Named after the historic island of Arnala off the Maharashtra coast, the vessel is 77.6 meters long and 10.5 meters wide, with a shallow draft of just 2.7 meters—making it ideal for coastal operations.
The vessel is equipped with advanced systems including three waterjets, lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, a combat management system, and the capability for integrated operations with aircraft. It has a crew capacity of 57, including 7 officers.
Enhanced Coastal Security Capabilities
The induction of INS Arnala significantly boosts the Navy’s capability for anti-submarine surveillance, detection, and engagement in shallow waters. Its cutting-edge features enable it to closely monitor enemy submarine activity in coastal areas and respond swiftly to emerging threats.
Award-winning Design and Engineering
GRSE had earlier been awarded the Defence Minister’s Award in 2022 for the “Best Quiet Ship” in terms of noise signature, a testament to the ship’s superior acoustic design and stealth capabilities. This accolade also sets a benchmark for future warship development by the shipyard.
Strong Endorsement from Defence Leadership
In his address, CDS General Anil Chauhan described INS Arnala as a significant force multiplier for the Indian Navy, particularly in the domains of anti-submarine warfare and mine-laying operations. He also lauded GRSE’s technical expertise and the dedication of its workforce.
GRSE CMD Commodore PR Hari emphasized the shipyard’s leading role in building complex and next-generation warships. Currently, GRSE is constructing 16 warships, including three P17A stealth frigates, seven ASW SWCs, two large survey vessels, four next-generation offshore patrol vessels, four research vessels, 13 hybrid ferries for the West Bengal government, and eight multipurpose cargo vessels for a German firm.
Moreover, GRSE has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for the Indian Navy’s proposed Next Generation Corvettes project, further solidifying its standing as a premier warship builder in the country.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
