The Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities received a significant boost with the launch of ‘Agray’ and ‘Akshay’, the 5th and 6th ships of the 08 x ASW Shallow Water Craft (SWC) Project, on March 13, 2024, at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
This momentous occasion was presided over by Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, with Mrs. Neeta Chaudhari, President of the Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFFWA), officiating the launch in a ceremony steeped in maritime tradition.
These ships, named in homage to the Indian Navy’s erstwhile Abhay Class Corvettes ‘Agray’ and ‘Akshay’, mark a continuation of India’s rich naval heritage and its ongoing commitment to modernization and self-reliance in defense capabilities.
The contract for the construction of these eight ASW SWC ships was inked on April 29, 2019, between the Ministry of Defence and GRSE, signaling a significant step towards enhancing India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Designed to replace the in-service Abhay class ASW Corvettes, the Arnala class ships will specialize in anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, undertake Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and perform Mine Laying Operations.
Each ship measures 77.6 meters in length and 10.5 meters in width, with a displacement of 900 tons and an endurance exceeding 1800 nautical miles, embodying the advancements in naval architecture and maritime warfare technology.
This launch is part of a broader initiative by the Indian Navy, which has seen the delivery of three indigenously built warships/submarines in the past year, with a total of nine warships launched. It underscores India’s dedication to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, aiming for self-reliance in defense production.
The first ship of this project is slated for delivery in the first half of 2024, showcasing the nation’s accelerated pace in strengthening its maritime defense infrastructure.
With over 80% indigenous content, these ASW SWC ships not only represent a leap forward in the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities but also bolster the domestic defense manufacturing sector, creating jobs and enhancing India’s self-sufficiency in defense production.
This project stands as a testament to the country’s resolve to secure its maritime interests while promoting the ethos of ‘Make in India’, further solidifying India’s position as a significant player in global maritime security.
