INS Arnala Commissioned: India’s First Shallow Water Submarine Hunter Joins Navy Fleet
Marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime defence journey, INS Arnala, the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy on June 18, 2025. The commissioning ceremony, held at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, was presided over by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, with several senior naval officials and dignitaries in attendance.
This induction marks the first in a new line of shallow water combatants built under the ASW-SWC project and is a major stride in strengthening India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. Designed to operate in coastal waters, INS Arnala is equipped for anti-submarine operations, sub-surface surveillance, interdiction, low-intensity maritime engagements, and search and rescue missions.
A Vessel Built in India, for India
INS Arnala is named after the historic coastal fort of Arnala in Maharashtra, continuing the naval tradition of drawing strength from India’s maritime heritage. With a length of 77 meters and a displacement of over 1,490 tonnes, the warship is powered by an advanced Diesel Engine-Waterjet propulsion system, making it the largest Indian Navy ship with this propulsion configuration.
The ship was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding, underlining the success of public-private partnership in India’s defence manufacturing sector. Its induction is a proud moment for the Indian defence industry, reinforcing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative and the Navy’s evolution from a “Buyer’s Navy” to a “Builder’s Navy.”
Strategic Importance
Speaking at the commissioning, General Anil Chauhan praised the Indian Navy’s push toward self-reliance and its increasing reliance on indigenous design and production. “The commissioning of INS Arnala is not just a symbolic moment. It reflects a growing strategic capacity and our readiness to defend India’s coastal and maritime interests in an increasingly complex security environment,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of platforms like INS Arnala in enhancing India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and ensuring maritime security in shallow waters, where traditional large warships may have limited operational flexibility.
Advanced Capabilities
Despite being compact in size, INS Arnala is equipped with state-of-the-art sonar systems, electronic warfare equipment, and stealth technology, making it highly effective in littoral (coastal) zones. Its primary mission is to detect and neutralize enemy submarines in shallow water scenarios, a critical capability given India’s vast and strategically sensitive coastline.
General Chauhan further noted that numerous warships and auxiliary vessels are currently under construction in Indian shipyards. These efforts demonstrate India’s rising stature as a global shipbuilding hub and its commitment to expanding its blue-water naval footprint.
A New Chapter in Coastal Defence
With the commissioning of INS Arnala, India has taken a crucial step toward enhancing its coastal surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The vessel will play a pivotal role in securing vital sea lanes and bolstering maritime security in the region.
As India’s naval forces grow increasingly indigenous, INS Arnala stands as a symbol of technological advancement, strategic foresight, and national pride.
