India’s maritime shield is getting stronger. With the commissioning of INS Arnala, a next-generation anti-submarine warfare (ASW) vessel, the Indian Navy has reinforced its coastal defence with a truly indigenous and stealthy platform. But what makes this warship so unique? Why is it being called a game-changer in shallow-water warfare?
Let’s dive into the detailed story behind INS Arnala—its development, features, strategic role, and why it could be your next Google search result for India’s silent submarine killer.
Introduction to INS Arnala: Coastal Guardian for a New Era
INS Arnala is the lead ship in a fleet of 16 shallow water ASW vessels, purpose-built to secure India’s coastline from underwater threats. It was commissioned on 18 June 2025 under the Eastern Naval Command, marking a pivotal moment in India’s indigenous naval development.
Equipped with cutting-edge sonar, lightweight torpedoes, and a diesel waterjet propulsion system, INS Arnala is tailor-made for stealth, agility, and high-precision sub-surface operations.
Why India Built the Arnala-Class ASW Fleet
1. Addressing a Strategic Gap
India’s ageing Abhay-class corvettes were no longer fit for modern undersea warfare. With increasing submarine activity in the Indian Ocean—especially by adversarial navies—there was an urgent need for a new class of shallow water crafts.
2. 16-Vessel Vision under Make in India
To bridge this capability gap, the Indian Navy launched the ASW-SWC programme in 2013. By 2019, two major contracts were signed:
- GRSE (Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers) for 8 ships (Arnala-class)
- Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for 8 ships (Mahe-class)
INS Arnala is the first ship from this indigenous initiative to enter active service.
From Blueprint to Battleship: INS Arnala’s Development Journey
Steel to Sea: Timeline of Key Milestones
- December 2020: Steel cutting at L&T Kattupalli
- August 2021: Keel laying of INS Arnala
- December 2022: Ship launch at GRSE, Kolkata
- March 2025: Completion of sea trials
- May 2025: Formal handover to the Indian Navy
- June 2025: Commissioned at Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard
Every phase was executed in India, marking a milestone in self-reliant shipbuilding under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
INS Arnala Diesel Waterjet Propulsion: What Makes It Unique?
Game-Changing Manoeuvrability in Shallow Waters
INS Arnala is the first Indian Navy ASW ship to feature diesel-powered waterjet propulsion. Unlike conventional propeller systems, waterjets offer:
- Superior agility in constrained coastal areas
- Quieter movement—crucial in submarine tracking
- Faster acceleration and reduced cavitation
- Lower maintenance and better fuel economy
This propulsion system allows the vessel to reach 25 knots and maintain long-range missions with an endurance of 1,800 nautical miles.
INS Arnala’s Full Combat & Surveillance Suite
Built for Sub-Surface Domination
Despite its compact design, INS Arnala integrates advanced detection and combat systems essential for littoral warfare.
Key Features:
- Length: 77.6 metres
- Displacement: ~1,490 tonnes
- Draft: 2.7 metres – ideal for shallow water
- Hull-mounted sonar + towed variable depth sonar
- Combat Management System linked with IACCS
Weapons on Board:
- Lightweight torpedoes for sub-surface kill capability
- RBU-6000 rocket launchers for quick reaction defence
- Mine-laying rails for area denial operations
- 30mm remote-controlled cannon with EO fire control
- Two 12.7mm remote-controlled guns for close combat
Operational Roles: More Than Just a Submarine Hunter
Multipurpose Roles in a Coastal Theatre
While its primary mission is anti-submarine warfare, INS Arnala is designed for a wide range of operations, including:
- Search and rescue (SAR) missions
- Mine-laying and clearance patrols
- Low-intensity maritime conflict zones
- Coastal surveillance and fleet escort
- Protection of EEZ and offshore assets
This versatility ensures that Arnala can operate as a force multiplier along India’s vast 7,500 km coastline.
Indigenous Defence Manufacturing: Aatmanirbhar in Action
80% Indigenous Content Across Subsystems
INS Arnala isn’t just made in India—it’s made by India.
Over 80% of its components are sourced domestically, from defence majors like:
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
- Mahindra Defence
- L&T Defence
- MEIL
More than 50 Indian MSMEs contributed to the project, creating employment, boosting innovation, and reducing import dependency.
The Story Behind the Name: Arnala’s Historical Significance
INS Arnala is named after the Arnala Fort, a Maratha stronghold located off the Vasai coast in Maharashtra. Built in 1737, it once served as a vital naval watchpost under the Maratha Navy.
By naming the ship after this historic site, the Indian Navy continues its tradition of honouring India’s maritime heritage while preparing for the future.
Strategic Impact: Strengthening India’s Undersea Shield
A Modern Answer to Evolving Maritime Threats
As submarine threats grow across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), INS Arnala offers India a sharp edge in:
- Countering stealth incursions by enemy subs
- Protecting critical coastal infrastructure
- Monitoring strategic chokepoints near islands and ports
By 2028, the Navy aims to induct all 16 shallow water ASW vessels, building a dedicated force to dominate near-shore warfare.
What’s Next? The ASW Fleet Expansion
INS Arnala is just the first. Ships like INS Androth have already completed trials and will join service soon. The complete fleet will be deployed across the Eastern and Western Commands, ensuring balanced coverage and rapid response capability.
With 8 Arnala-class and 8 Mahe-class vessels under construction, India’s anti-submarine defence will enter a new era of distributed, agile, and indigenous operations.
Final Takeaway: Why INS Arnala Matters
INS Arnala is more than a warship—it’s a statement.
With its diesel waterjet propulsion, advanced ASW systems, and deeply Indian roots, it represents a strategic and symbolic shift in how India defends its maritime domain. Built for the future but inspired by the past, it is the first line of defence in the new age of undersea warfare.
If you’re tracking India’s naval modernisation or are interested in how indigenous defence tech is transforming the battlefield, INS Arnala is your keyword—and your answer.
FAQs
Q1: What is the range and speed of INS Arnala?
INS Arnala can reach speeds up to 25 knots and has a range of approximately 1,800 nautical miles, making it ideal for long coastal patrols.
Q2: How is INS Arnala different from older Abhay-class ships?
Unlike the Abhay-class, INS Arnala uses diesel waterjet propulsion, advanced sonar systems, and modular lightweight torpedoes for enhanced shallow-water operations.
Q3: How many Arnala-class ships will India commission?
India plans to induct 16 shallow-water ASW vessels by 2028, with Arnala being the first in the fleet.
INS Arnala marks just the beginning of India’s next-gen coastal defence transformation. Want to stay updated on the latest in Indian defence, strategic weapon systems, and indigenous military tech?
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