INS Arnala
About
INS Arnala is the first indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) of the Indian Navy.
Marks a decisive shift from a “Buyer’s Navy” to a “Builder’s Navy”.
Reinforces the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in defence manufacturing.
First-of-its-kind shallow water combatant
INS Arnala is the lead ship of a new ASW-SWC class.
Designed specifically for:
Coastal and shallow waters
Environments with complex underwater acoustics that complicate submarine detection
Role:
Detecting, tracking, and neutralising submarine threats close to the shoreline
Strengthening India’s littoral and coastal maritime security
Indigenous design and construction
Designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
Built under a Ministry of Defence programme to boost indigenous defence production.
Over 80% indigenous content, reflecting:
Strong PSU–private sector collaboration
Extensive participation of MSMEs
Indigenous combat systems, sensors, and specialised equipment
Symbol of maritime heritage
Named after Arnala Fort, located off Vasai, Maharashtra.
Continues the Navy’s tradition of linking ships with India’s maritime history.
Represents continuity between heritage and modern naval capability.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. INS Arnala, recently inducted into the Indian Navy, is best described as:
A. A nuclear-powered attack submarine
B. An aircraft carrier escort destroyer
C. An Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
D. A long-range missile corvette
Correct answer: C
Explanation:
INS Arnala is India’s first indigenously built ASW Shallow Water Craft, meant for coastal operations.
Q. With reference to INS Arnala, consider the following statements:
It has been designed and built entirely in India.
It has more than 80% indigenous content.
It was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct answer: A
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 2: Correct.
Statement 3: Incorrect — it was built by GRSE, not MDL.