GRSE launches in house designed, Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) INS Arnala

Source : PSU Connect

GRSE launches first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) INS Arnala

Kolkata: GRSE has once again created a record by launching six vessels in eight months (May 22 – till date), including the prestigious 2ND P17A, two in-house designed Survey Vessels (Large), a Fast Patrol Vessel, an Ocean Going Passenger cum Cargo Ferry for Guyana & this 1st ASW Shallow Water Craft today.  

In true Naval tradition, the Ship was named ‘Arnala’ after her predecessor who was decommissioned way back in 1999. The ‘Arnala’ class ships were the erstwhile Soviet origin ‘Pettya’ class ships of the Indian Navy ASW Corvettes. Smt Rasika Chaube lauded GRSE's efforts towards achieving 90% indigenisation in shipbuilding and contributing to Government of India’s mission of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. 

She acknowledged GRSE’s contribution in enhancing the ‘Anti-Submarine Warfare’ capability of Indian Navy by building such capable ships indigenously and especially the ASW- Shallow Water Crafts which have a unique distinction of being a first of the type being built in India. 

Smt. Chaube stressed on the need for the armed forces to be well equipped with the best and the latest technology and said that launching of Anti-Submarine Warfare vessel today is a step in this direction. She also congratulated GRSE on receiving the Honourable Raksha Mantri Award for this most silent ship being made for the Indian Navy.

Cmde PR Hari CMD GRSE, in his address said “today is a very unique occasion where the Chief Guest Smt Rasika Chaube is also the lady who shall do the honours of naming the ship and launching the ship”. Cmde Hari also stated that being the ‘1st of Class’ to be launched today, in a series of eight ASWSWC ships, ‘Arnala’ is an example of ‘Make in India’ initiatives and when delivered, she will have nearly 88% indigenous content.

These ships are testimony to the indigenous design capability of India, he said. Cmde Hari also congratulated all the stakeholders involved in this project including the Naval Headquarters and Production Partners for their continued support and timely decisions.