Marking a significant milestone in strengthening coastal defence and maritime strength, the Indian Navy on Wednesday officially commissioned INS Arnala, the nation’s first Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft, into the Eastern Naval Command. The ceremony was held at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam and attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.
Designed to carry out a diverse array of anti-submarine operations, INS Arnala is equipped to execute Sub-Surface Surveillance and Interdiction, Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, and Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).
This 77-meter-long warship, with a gross tonnage exceeding 1,490 tonnes, is notably the largest Indian Naval vessel to be powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet system.
During the event, Gen Chauhan emphasized the Indian Navy’s impressive transition from a “buyer’s navy” to a “builder’s navy,” positioning this as a key element of India’s Blue Water maritime ambitions.
The commissioning ceremony was hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, and attended by senior naval officials, distinguished civilians, former commanders, guests, and representatives from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers and Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding.
Named after the historic Arnala Fort off Vasai in Maharashtra, the warship pays homage to India’s rich maritime heritage.
“Like the fort’s resilient stance against threats, INS Arnala is built to have a formidable presence at sea. Its sturdy design and advanced features ensure it can meet modern maritime challenges and protect India’s waters from emerging threats,” a Navy spokesperson previously stated.
The ship incorporates over 80 percent indigenous content and features sophisticated systems supplied by leading Indian defence manufacturers such as Bharat Electronics Limited, L&T, Mahindra Defence, and MEIL, exemplifying indigenous innovation.
The commissioning of INS Arnala not only enhances India’s defensive capabilities but also underscores the strength of indigenous design, engineering, and manufacturing in the country’s defence sector.
Over the past decade, the Indian Navy has undergone a remarkable transformation, with numerous ships and submarines—including aircraft carriers, destroyers, and corvettes—under construction. This evolution signals India’s emergence as a robust maritime power with global reach.
Stationed at the Eastern Naval Command, which plays a vital role in India’s strategic presence in the Bay of Bengal and Indo-Pacific region, INS Arnala will further fortify India’s coastal security and shallow water deterrence capabilities.