INS Arnala, the first of the anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft that has 80 per cent indigenous content, was commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy on Wednesday, demonstrating India’s growing shipyard manufacturing capacity.

Designed for a broad range of Anti-Submarine operations, INS Arnala is equipped to conduct sub-surface surveillance and interdiction, search and rescue missions; and low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO), said the Indian Navy.

This 77-meter-long warship, with a gross tonnage of over 1490 tonnes, is the largest Indian Naval warship to be propelled by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination. The coastal defence capabilities is set to go up with the induction of overall 16 indigenously designed and built ASW-SWC class of ships.

Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), these ships would replace the ageing Abhay-class corvettes.

The commissioning took place in the presence of General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff, at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.

In his address, CDS General Chauhan underscored the Indian Navy’s remarkable transition from a “Buyer’s Navy” to a “Builder’s Navy”, highlighting this as the backbone of the country’s Blue Water aspirations.

Formidable force

With large number of ships currently under construction in India — including capital warships and auxiliaries - India has emerged as a formidable force in shipbuilding.

Indigenous warships now feature cutting-edge home-grown systems ranging from stealth technology to electronic warfare suites and advanced sensors significantly enhancing combat preparedness and progressively realising the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat .

The CDS commended the Indian Navy for the steadfast commitment to transforming strategic vision into tangible outcomes via the indigenous route.

The ceremony was hosted by the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, and attended by senior naval officials, civilian dignitaries, ex- Commanding Officers of erstwhile Arnala, guests, and representatives from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding.

The commissioning of INS Arnala not only reinforces India’s defence capability but also highlights the triumph of indigenous design, engineering, and manufacturing, observed the Navy.

INS Arnala stands as a proud symbol of national strength, industrial partnership and naval excellence, with India continuing ts maritime journey toward greater self-reliance.

Published on June 18, 2025