INS Arnala Joins Indian Navy: India’s Indigenous Submarine Hunter Takes to the Seas

In a significant boost to India’s maritime security, the Indian Navy is all set to commission INS Arnala, the first of sixteen Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on 18 June 2025. The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, with Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, hosting the event.

This marks the beginning of a quiet but vital transformation in India’s naval strength, aimed at safeguarding its long, vulnerable coastline against modern underwater threats.

Built in India, for India

The INS Arnala project is a part of a dual contract awarded in April 2019 to Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata and Cochin Shipyard Limited, with each tasked to build eight ASW-SWCs. The total value of this ambitious programme stands at ₹12,622 crore, and all 16 vessels are expected to be delivered by 2028.

INS Arnala was delivered to the Indian Navy on 8 May 2025. It was built under a collaborative effort between GRSE and L&T Shipbuilders, supervised by the Directorate of Ship Production and Warship Overseeing Teams in Kolkata and Kattupalli. The ship boasts over 80% indigenous content, integrating cutting-edge systems from India’s top defence firms such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence, and several MSMEs.

Big Strength in a Compact Frame

Despite being relatively compact, INS Arnala is a highly capable submarine hunter with modern features tailored for operations close to India’s coast.

Key Specifications of INS Arnala:

• Type: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)

• Displacement: Over 1,490 tonnes

• Length: 77.6 metres

• Beam (Width): Approximately 10.5 metres

• Draft: 2.7 metres

• Speed: Capable of speeds over 25 knots

• Range: Approximately 1,800 nautical miles at an economical speed

• Crew Capacity: Around 57 personnel

Propulsion System:
It is the largest Indian Navy ship powered by a diesel engine-waterjet combination, which offers enhanced agility and quick manoeuvring in shallow coastal waters — crucial for anti-submarine missions and fast response situations.

Combat and Operational Capabilities

INS Arnala is designed to perform a range of critical operations, including:

• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) patrols

• Sub-surface surveillance

• Search and Rescue (SAR) missions

• Low-intensity maritime security tasks

• Escort operations for high-value assets in coastal zones

Weapons & Sensors:

• Advanced hull-mounted sonar for submarine detection

• Lightweight torpedo launch systems

• Rocket launchers

• 30mm naval gun

• Integrated electronic warfare suite and radar systems

This equipment ensures the ship can swiftly detect, track, and neutralize stealthy submarine threats lurking near India’s shores.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Action

The INS Arnala project is a shining example of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative in defence manufacturing. Over 55 Indian MSMEs contributed to the ship’s development, supplying components, sub-systems, and advanced electronics. The participation of companies like MEIL and others highlights India’s growing indigenous capability in building complex naval platforms.

A Name Steeped in Maritime History

INS Arnala carries a name with deep historical roots. It is named after the Arnala Fort near Vasai, Maharashtra, built by the Marathas in 1737 under Chimaji Appa to control the mouth of the Vaitarna River and guard the northern Konkan coast. This name reflects India’s centuries-old naval traditions and maritime awareness.

The ship’s crest features a stylised auger shell—a symbol of resilience, vigilance, and precision. It embodies the spirit of a vessel built to face the relentless forces of the sea while executing flawless anti-submarine operations.

Strengthening India’s Coastal Defence

India has a 7,500 km-long coastline, dotted with strategic ports, economic zones, and trade routes. As modern submarines become stealthier and more capable, there’s an urgent need for vessels like INS Arnala to keep watch over India’s territorial waters.

Unlike large destroyers or frigates, the Arnala-class ships are designed for quick, agile missions close to the shore. Their primary role is to counter underwater threats, suspicious movements, and covert operations — forming a critical layer of India’s layered maritime defence.