Named after the historic Arnala Fort off Vasai, Maharashtra, INS Arnala reflects India’s rich maritime heritage. The vessel was designed and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders under a Public-Private Partnership model. It incorporates over 80% indigenous content, integrating advanced systems from Indian defence firms such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), L&T, Mahindra Defence, and MEIL. The project has engaged more than 55 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), promoting domestic industry and generating related economic activity.
INS Arnala measures 77.6 meters in length with a gross tonnage exceeding 1,490 tonnes, making it the largest Indian naval warship propelled by a diesel engine-waterjet combination. It is equipped for a range of anti-submarine warfare operations, including subsurface surveillance, search and rescue missions, and low-intensity maritime operations.
The commissioning of INS Arnala marks a significant advancement in India’s naval capabilities and its commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing. The remaining fifteen ASW-SWC vessels are under construction, with eight being built by GRSE and the other eight by Cochin Shipyard Limited.
