The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Arnala, the first warship in the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) series, on June 18, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, highlighting the strategic importance of this new addition to India’s naval fleet.

A Leap in India’s Maritime Defence

INS Arnala represents a significant advancement in India’s coastal and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. As the first of 16 ships planned under the ASW-SWC program, it marks the beginning of a new era in safeguarding India’s vast and strategic shallow coastal waters against underwater threats.

The warship embodies India’s vision for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), with over 80% indigenous content incorporated into its design and systems. This high degree of domestic technology integration is a testimony to India’s growing prowess in defence manufacturing and maritime technology.

Built Through Public-Private Partnership

The construction of INS Arnala was undertaken by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in collaboration with L&T Shipbuilders, showcasing an effective public-private partnership model in defence production. This collaboration also involved over 55 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), providing a major boost to domestic industries and employment generation.

INS Arnala was officially delivered to the Indian Navy on May 8, 2025, with the Directorate of Ship Production and Warship Overseeing Teams in Kolkata and Kattupalli overseeing its construction to ensure quality and timeliness.

Technical and Operational Features

• Size and Propulsion: Measuring 77 meters in length and weighing over 1,490 tonnes, INS Arnala is the largest Indian naval warship powered by a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion system, enabling enhanced manoeuvrability in shallow coastal waters.

• Capabilities: The warship is designed for anti-submarine warfare, subsurface surveillance, search and rescue missions, and low-intensity maritime operations. These features make it a versatile asset for protecting India’s coastal zones and maritime interests.

• Advanced Indigenous Systems: The ship integrates sophisticated systems and technologies developed by leading Indian defence firms such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Mahindra Defence, and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MEIL). This not only enhances operational effectiveness but also strengthens India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Symbolism and Heritage

INS Arnala draws inspiration from the historic Arnala Fort located near Vasai, Maharashtra. The fort, constructed in 1737 by the Marathas under Chimaji Appa, historically guarded the Vaitarna River’s mouth and the northern Konkan coast, much like the warship will guard India’s coastal frontiers.

The warship’s armoured hull design pays homage to the resilient stone walls of the Arnala Fort, while its advanced weaponry and sensors serve as a modern counterpart to the fort’s traditional cannons. The ship’s crest features a stylised auger shell, symbolising precision, strength, and vigilance.

The motto ‘Arnave Shauryam’, meaning ‘Valour in the Ocean’, reflects the spirit of courage and steadfastness embodied by the ship and her crew.

Commissioning Ceremony Details

The commissioning ceremony will be hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command. The event will witness the presence of senior naval officials, dignitaries, shipbuilders, and other stakeholders who contributed to the ship’s successful construction and delivery.

INS Arnala’s induction will enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, especially in the shallow coastal waters, providing a critical edge in maritime security and coastal defence.

INS Arnala’s commissioning symbolizes not only a technological and strategic milestone for the Indian Navy but also underscores India’s commitment to becoming a global maritime power with self-reliant defence capabilities.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Jainik Power Cables, Sacheerome Limited, Victory Electric Vehicles International, Wagons Learning.

The Current active IPO are Ganga Bath Fittings.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.