In a significant milestone for India’s indigenous shipbuilding program, the keel laying ceremony of the 8th Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) was held at M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata on May 10, 2024.
The ceremony, a symbol of commencement of the ship’s construction, was presided over by Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition, Indian Navy, in the presence of Commodore PR Hari (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director of GRSE, along with other senior officials from the Indian Navy and GRSE.
The construction of the 8th ASW SWC marks a crucial phase in the ongoing project between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and M/s GRSE, Kolkata, aimed at indigenous design and construction of 8 ASW SWC ships.
The contract for this ambitious endeavor was finalized on April 29, 2019, signifying a significant step towards bolstering India’s naval capabilities through indigenous manufacturing.
Six ships of the project have already been launched, with the delivery of the first ship, Arnala, scheduled for August 2024.
The Arnala class of ships is poised to replace the existing Abhay class Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes of the Indian Navy, designed to undertake a spectrum of maritime operations including anti-submarine warfare in coastal waters, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and Mine Laying Operations.
The keel laying of Yard 3034, the last ship of the project, underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance and indigenous shipbuilding, aligning with the nation’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
This landmark event not only signifies technological prowess but also embodies the spirit of national pride and strategic autonomy in defense manufacturing.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral B Sivakumar commended the collaborative efforts between the Indian Navy and GRSE in realizing this ambitious project.
He emphasized the importance of indigenous shipbuilding in enhancing maritime security and self-sufficiency, reaffirming the Indian Navy’s commitment to fostering a robust naval defense ecosystem.
The keel laying ceremony represents a pivotal moment in India’s maritime journey, highlighting the nation’s strides towards self-reliance and innovation in defense manufacturing.
As the country continues to strengthen its naval capabilities, initiatives such as these serve as a testament to India’s resolve to emerge as a global leader in maritime prowess and technological excellence.
