On June 18, 2025, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Arnala, the first indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), in Visakhapatnam.

Designed to detect and neutralize threats in coastal waters, the vessel marks a major step toward India’s maritime self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Key Points:

• INS Arnala is the first in a series of 16 shallow-water ASW ships, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) with over 80% indigenous components.
• The 77.6-meter, 1,490-tonne ship is India’s largest warship powered by water-jet propulsion, ideal for swift manoeuvres in shallow seas.
• It is equipped with advanced sonar systems, torpedoes, rocket launchers, and underwater communication systems to detect and counter enemy submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles.
• Besides ASW roles, the ship is capable of mine-laying, search and rescue (SAR), coastal surveillance, and low-intensity maritime operations.
• The induction of INS Arnala was seen as a key milestone by naval leadership, strengthening coastal defence and transitioning India from a buyer’s to a builder’s navy.