The Indian Navy is slated to induct around 10 new warships this year — beginning with the commissioning of ASW-SWC Arnala on June 18. Most of these vessels were built domestically under strategic partnerships and expected to significantly bolster the Indian naval fleet. The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow-Water Craft is equipped to conduct subsurface surveillance, search and rescue missions, and low-intensity maritime operations. The ceremony will take place at the naval dockyard in Visakhapatnam with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan in attendance.
According to a PIB press note, the induction of of INS Arnala will be the first of sixteen ASW-SWC class ships being commissioned into the Indian Navy. Officials said that the warship incorporated “more than 80% indigenous content” and engaged over 55 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. It also integrates advanced systems from leading Indian defence firms, including Bharat Electronics Limited, L&T, Mahindra Defence, and MEIL.
“Designed for a range of ASW operations, Arnala is equipped to conduct Subsurface Surveillance, Search and Rescue missions, and Low-Intensity Maritime Operations. This 77.6 m long warship, with a gross tonnage of over 1490 tonnes, is the largest Indian Naval warship to be propelled by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination,” the PIB release added.
A timeline has not been given for the induction of subsequent ASW-SWC vessels into the Indian Army. However officials told The Indian Express that one or two more of these warships are expected to be commissioned this year as the Indian Navy looks to have 175 ships by 2035.
The military is also slated to induct INS Tamal — the second Talwar-class stealth frigate under a 2016 Indo-Russian agreement — later this month. This is likely to be followed by the induction of a diving support ship (currently under construction at Hindustan Shipyard Limited) and at least one Project 17A Nilgiri-class frigate (being built jointly by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and GRSE). An official told the publication that a second Nilgiri-class frigate may also be commissioned by the end of 2025. Other vessels that are awaiting induction include a large survey vessel from GRSE and