GRSE Launches 'Ajay', Final Ship in Anti-Submarine Warfare Series for Indian Navy

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) based in Kolkata, on Monday launched the eighth and final Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) for the Indian Navy.

The newly launched ship, named ‘Ajay’, marks the completion of a significant defence project aimed at strengthening India’s coastal security. The launching ceremony took place in Kolkata and was graced by Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, Chief of Materiel of the Indian Navy, with his wife Priya Deshmukh ceremonially launching the ship.

These vessels are part of an advanced naval series designed for detecting and neutralizing underwater threats. According to GRSE officials, all eight ships in this class have been completely built by GRSE, showcasing the strength of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

Key Features of ASW Shallow Water Craft:

• Length: 77.6 metres

• Width (Beam): 10.5 metres

• Low draught design: Ideal for shallow coastal operations

• High maneuverability: Suitable for low-intensity maritime operations, including mine-laying and surface attack missions

• Advanced sensors and weapons for full-scale sub-surface surveillance

• Anti-Submarine Suite includes:

  • Lightweight torpedoes

  • Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) rockets

  • Naval mines

The GRSE spokesperson highlighted that these ships are versatile platforms capable of coordinated anti-submarine missions with aircraft, making them a powerful asset for India’s maritime defence.

This launch of ‘Ajay’ completes the Indian Navy's plan to enhance its coastal surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities through this specialized shallow water craft class.

With this achievement, GRSE continues to demonstrate its leadership in India's self-reliant naval defence manufacturing, aligned with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.