First of 16 indigenous anti-submarine warfare crafts to be inducted into the Navy

1. Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Crafts Induction

   • The Indian Navy is inducting 16 indigenously built ASW Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWC) to enhance coastal defence.

   • The first ship, INS Arnala, was delivered on May 8, 2025, and commissioned on June 19, 2025.

   • Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).

2. Aatmanirbhar Bharat Initiative

   • Over 80% indigenous content, showcasing India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

   • Replaces ageing Abhay-class corvettes.

3. Operational Capabilities

   • Designed for anti-submarine warfare in shallow waters, detecting and neutralizing enemy submarines.

   • Equipped with advanced sensors:

     • Hull-Mounted Sonar Abhay

     • Underwater Acoustic Communication System (UWACS)

     • Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonar (LFVDS)

   • Armed with lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, anti-torpedo decoys, and mine-laying capabilities.

   • Integrated with Combat Management System (CMS) and ASW Complex (IAC) for enhanced combat efficiency.

4. Strategic Significance

   • Strengthens coastal and offshore security against submarine threats.

   • Enhances maritime surveillance, patrolling, and humanitarian assistance in shallow waters.

   • Reduces dependence on foreign arms, boosting India’s defence indigenization and strategic autonomy.

Mains Perspective (GS3: Defence & Security)

• Self-reliance in Defence: Demonstrates success of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

• Maritime Security: Strengthens India’s ability to counter subsurface threats in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

• Technological Advancement: Indigenous development of advanced sonar systems and ASW weaponry enhances naval warfare capabilities.

• Geopolitical Impact: Contributes to regional stability by securing India’s maritime interests.