New Delhi, November 7, 2026: The Indian Navy has taken delivery of Amini, an indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), on November 5, 2026. Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, the vessel represents another significant milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen indigenous naval shipbuilding capabilities and enhance maritime security.
The delivery of Amini marks an important step in the Indian Navy’s ongoing modernisation programme, particularly in strengthening its capabilities to detect, track and engage underwater threats in coastal and shallow-water environments.
The vessel has been designed and constructed by GRSE in accordance with the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), reflecting the growing capabilities of Indian shipyards in developing advanced naval platforms.
One of the distinctive features of the ASW Shallow Water Craft class is its waterjet propulsion system. These vessels are among the largest Indian naval warships propelled by waterjets, which support manoeuvrability and operational effectiveness in shallow coastal waters.
The ship is equipped with modern anti-submarine warfare systems, including lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and advanced sonars. These systems enable the vessel to detect and engage underwater threats, strengthening the Navy’s ability to conduct anti-submarine operations in strategically important maritime areas.
In addition to its primary anti-submarine warfare role, Amini is designed to support coastal surveillance and mine-laying operations, expanding the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities in littoral waters.
The induction of such specialised vessels is particularly important for India’s maritime security, given the country’s extensive coastline, strategically significant island territories and vital maritime trade routes.
Named After Amini Island in Lakshadweep
The vessel derives its name from Amini Island, located in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, reflecting the Indian Navy’s longstanding tradition of naming warships after places of national and maritime significance.
The new Amini also carries forward the legacy of the erstwhile INS Amini, a Petya III-class anti-submarine warfare corvette that served in the Indian Navy before being decommissioned in 2002.
By reviving the name, the Indian Navy continues its tradition of preserving the heritage and distinguished service of earlier naval platforms while introducing modern warships equipped with advanced technologies.
Over 80% Indigenous Content Strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat
A major highlight of Amini is its high level of indigenous content, exceeding 80 percent, demonstrating the progress achieved by India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The vessel’s construction reflects the increasing involvement of Indian shipyards, equipment manufacturers and technology providers in developing sophisticated naval platforms and associated combat systems.
The delivery aligns with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to reduce dependence on imported defence equipment while strengthening domestic design, manufacturing and technological capabilities.
The project also reinforces the role of GRSE Kolkata as a major contributor to India’s naval shipbuilding programme, particularly in developing specialised warships for coastal defence and anti-submarine operations.
Fifth Vessel in GRSE’s Eight-Ship Programme
Amini is the fifth of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft being constructed by GRSE for the Indian Navy. The vessel was delivered at Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu, on November 5, 2026.
Measuring approximately 77.6 metres in length and featuring a shallow draught of around 2.7 metres, the vessel is designed for coastal operations, including underwater surveillance, submarine detection and coordinated anti-submarine missions alongside naval aircraft.
Its diesel-engine-powered waterjet propulsion system provides enhanced manoeuvrability in shallow waters, allowing it to operate in areas where larger warships may face navigational restrictions.
The delivery of Amini strengthens the Navy’s fleet development programme as it continues to acquire specialised platforms for coastal defence and underwater security.
The addition of this indigenously built anti-submarine warfare craft is expected to improve the Indian Navy’s ability to monitor underwater threats, protect strategically important coastal installations and support maritime operations.
With its advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities and high indigenous content, Amini represents another step towards building a modern, self-reliant and operationally capable Indian Navy.
