INS Arnala: A Landmark in India's Indigenous Naval Capabilities
The commissioning of INS Arnala represents a pivotal moment for the Indian Navy, as it is the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) to be entirely designed and built within India. This achievement underscores the nation's strategic transition from relying on foreign imports to fostering a self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Design and Construction by GRSE
Developed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) as part of a Ministry of Defence programme, INS Arnala is the lead vessel in a new class of warships tailored for operations in coastal and shallow waters. These environments pose unique challenges for detecting and tracking hostile submarines, making specialised craft like this essential for maritime security.
With over 80 per cent indigenous content, the project has successfully integrated contributions from both public and private sectors, including numerous Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that supplied critical combat systems, sensors, and equipment.
Commissioning and Ceremony Details
INS Arnala was launched on December 20, 2022, at Larsen & Toubro's shipyard in Kattupalli near Chennai. Following rigorous outfitting and sea trials, the ship was officially delivered to the Indian Navy and commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command on June 18, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, with attendance from senior naval officers, civilian dignitaries, and representatives from GRSE and L&T, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this indigenous milestone.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
Measuring approximately 77 metres in length and displacing around 1,490 tonnes, INS Arnala falls into the light corvette category, optimised for coastal missions and rapid deployment. It is the largest Indian naval warship powered by a diesel engine–waterjet propulsion system, which enables high manoeuvrability, quick acceleration, and operations in shallow-draught waters.
The vessel incorporates stealth features to minimise radar, acoustic, and infrared signatures, enhancing survivability during anti-submarine operations in crowded littoral zones. Equipped with advanced underwater sensors, mine-laying capability, and modern command-and-control systems, INS Arnala is designed for a range of roles:
- Primary anti-submarine warfare
- Underwater surveillance
- Search and rescue (SAR) operations
- Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO)
It can operate independently or as part of larger naval task groups, contributing to sea lane surveillance, coastal security, and the protection of high-value assets.
Strategic Significance and Future Implications
As the first vessel in the ASW SWC series, INS Arnala is part of a broader effort to replace ageing coastal anti-submarine platforms and strengthen India's maritime deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region. Its high indigenous content and public–private construction model are expected to boost the domestic defence industry and deepen partnerships for future warship development.
This induction signals growing confidence in home-grown design and combat systems, reinforcing India's ambition to build a technologically advanced, predominantly indigenous fleet. It aligns with the Navy's tradition of naming vessels after historical maritime sites, with INS Arnala named after the historic Arnala Fort off Vasai in Maharashtra, connecting modern naval strength with India's rich heritage.
The successful deployment of INS Arnala not only enhances operational capabilities but also sets a precedent for future indigenous projects, paving the way for a more self-sufficient and secure maritime future under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
