India commissions first ASW Shallow Water Craft
Arnala Joins Indian Navy: On 18 June 2025, India will mark a major milestone in naval history with the commissioning of its first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, INS Arnala. The ceremony will be held at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, led by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. This move signals India’s growing strength in coastal security and its deepening focus on self-reliance in defence.
What makes Arnala unique?
INS Arnala is the first of 16 ships in the ASW-SWC class. It was developed under a Public-Private Partnership model by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and L&T Shipbuilders. This ship was officially handed over to the Indian Navy on 8 May 2025, just over a month before its induction into service.
This shows how public and private sectors are working hand in hand to build advanced defence assets.
Indigenous power and economic boost
A standout feature of Arnala is its over 80% indigenous content. Major Indian defence firms like Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), L&T, Mahindra Defence, and MEIL have contributed to its systems. More than 55 MSMEs participated in its construction.
This is a classic example of how defence projects support Make in India and also boost employment and skills in smaller industries.
Built for performance and precision
The ship is 77.6 meters long and weighs over 1490 tonnes. It is the largest Indian warship powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination. Arnala is specially designed to handle submarine threats, perform rescue operations, and manage low-intensity maritime patrols.
Its waterjet propulsion gives it agility in shallow waters, making it ideal for coastal missions.
A name rooted in history
The ship is named after Arnala Fort, located near Vasai in Maharashtra. The fort was built in 1737 by the Marathas to protect the Vaitarna River and Konkan coast. By naming the ship Arnala, India pays tribute to its maritime heritage and the strategic foresight of Maratha naval power.
Crest and motto speak volumes
Arnala’s crest shows a stylised Auger Shell against a blue backdrop. This represents resilience, alertness, and dominance in hostile environments. Its motto, “Arnave Shauryam”, means Valour in the Ocean — a perfect fit for a warship that will patrol and defend Indian waters.
Strengthening India’s coastal defence
The commissioning of Arnala is not just about adding another ship. It’s a signal of India’s rising maritime self-sufficiency, especially in the Indian Ocean Region. As the region faces growing geopolitical tensions, platforms like Arnala ensure India is better equipped for coastal surveillance, maritime security, and strategic dominance.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Arnala Joins Indian Navy:
| Topic | Detail |
| Ship Name | INS Arnala |
| Type | Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) |
| Commissioning Date | 18 June 2025 |
| Commissioning Location | Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam |
| Built By | GRSE & L&T under PPP model |
| Indigenous Content | Over 80% |
| Key Contributors | BEL, L&T, Mahindra Defence, MEIL |
| Number of Ships in Class | 16 |
| Length | 77.6 meters |
| Tonnage | 1490+ tonnes |
| Propulsion Type | Diesel Engine-Waterjet Combination |
| Historical Reference | Named after Arnala Fort (built 1737 by Marathas) |
| Motto | Arnave Shauryam – Valour in the Ocean |
| Crest Symbol | Stylised Auger Shell |
| MSME Involvement | 55+ Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises |
| Strategic Region | Indian Ocean Region |
| Associated Scheme | Make in India – Defence Manufacturing |
| Important Static GK Fact | Arnala Fort is located off Vasai coast, Maharashtra |
