INS Arnala, India's first-of-its-kind shallow water submarine hunter commissioned

INS Arnala, the first vessel in the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) series, was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy on June 18, 2025. The commissioning ceremony took place at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.

The event was hosted by the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, and was attended by senior naval officials, dignitaries, representatives from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding, and former commanding officers of the previous INS Arnala.

INS Arnala, named after the historic coastal fort in Maharashtra, is a 77-meter-long warship with a displacement of over 1,490 tonnes. It is the largest Indian naval ship powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet propulsion system. Designed for diverse roles, it is capable of sub-surface surveillance, interdiction, low-intensity maritime operations, and search and rescue missions.

The warship exemplifies India’s commitment to strengthening indigenous defence capabilities. Its design and construction are a product of domestic collaboration between Indian shipyards and naval engineers, highlighting India's shift from a "Buyer's Navy" to a "Builder's Navy". The commissioning highlights the Indian Navy's role in achieving maritime self-reliance and supporting the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

In his address, General Chauhan lauded the Navy’s efforts in building indigenous capabilities and outlined the strategic value of such warships in India's expanding maritime ambitions. He noted that with numerous ships under construction domestically — including capital warships and support vessels - India has become a significant force in global naval shipbuilding.

He also emphasised that today's indigenous warships are equipped with advanced home-grown systems such as stealth features, electronic warfare capabilities, and sophisticated sensors, greatly enhancing operational readiness. The induction of INS Arnala represents a step toward realising India's long-term defence objectives and enhancing its preparedness for future maritime challenges.