India Bolsters Coastal Defence with Delivery of 'Arnala', First Indigenous ASW SWC

In a landmark moment for Indian naval capabilities and indigenous defence manufacturing, the Indian Navy received the first of its eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs), Arnala, on May 8, 2025. This highly specialized vessel was handed over at M/s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipyard in Kattupalli and marks a significant leap forward in the Indian Navy's coastal defence preparedness.

A Result of Strategic Public-Private Collaboration

Designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, Arnala is a product of a robust Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The collaboration between GRSE and L&T Shipyard is a testament to India’s maturing defence industrial base. The warship has been constructed adhering strictly to the Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), ensuring both safety and operational robustness.

This milestone further reinforces the Government of India's commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), showcasing successful synergy between state-owned and private defence entities. Over 80% of the ship's components are of indigenous origin, underscoring a deepening commitment to reducing foreign dependency in military acquisitions.

Design and Capabilities of Arnala

The ship takes its name from the historic Arnala fort off the coast of Vasai in Maharashtra, paying homage to India’s rich maritime legacy. Measuring 77 meters in length, Arnala holds the distinction of being the largest Indian Navy warship powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet propulsion system. This propulsion combination offers enhanced agility, critical for operations in the shallow waters around India's vast coastline.

Engineered specifically for Anti-Submarine Warfare in littoral (shallow) zones, the vessel is also equipped for a wide range of missions including underwater surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO). The ship’s advanced sonar systems and mine-laying capabilities make it a potent asset in defending India’s near-shore regions from subsurface threats.

Strengthening India's Coastal Defence Posture

As India faces evolving maritime security challenges, particularly in its coastal and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), the induction of Arnala and its sister ships is expected to substantially upgrade the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare posture. These vessels are purpose-built to detect and neutralize underwater threats in shallow waters, an operational theatre not ideally suited for larger destroyers and frigates.

The ASW SWC class is crucial in countering the increasing presence of potentially hostile submarines in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), an area of high strategic importance for both trade and national security.

Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Indigenous Naval Modernization

The delivery of Arnala sets the stage for the remaining seven ASW SWCs, which are also being developed under the same design and manufacturing blueprint. With a focus on automation, indigenous sensors, and modern combat management systems, these vessels symbolize a generational shift in India’s approach to naval defence.

This achievement is not merely a naval milestone but a beacon of what is possible through coordinated efforts between public and private sectors in defence manufacturing. It sends a strong message of capability and self-reliance as India seeks to emerge as a global maritime power.

With the arrival of Arnala, the Indian Navy has added a formidable new tool to its arsenal, significantly enhancing its ability to conduct effective anti-submarine operations in coastal waters. At the same time, it is a moment of pride for Indian shipbuilding and a major step toward the vision of a self-reliant defence ecosystem.