Indian Navy Strengthens Anti-Submarine Operations With Launch Of 2 Warships

The Indian Navy’s anti-submarine operations were significantly boosted with the launch of two ASWSWC warships, INS Agray and INS Akshay, on 13th March 2024. The fifth and sixth of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd.’s eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs) were formally launched at M/S GRSE, Kolkata.

Air Force Family Welfare Association (IFFWA) President Neeta Chaudhari conducted the ceremonial launch, while Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, presided over the ceremony.

‘Agray’ & ‘Akshay’, 5th & 6th ships of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) launched at @OfficialGRSE, Kolkata by Mrs Neeta Chaudhari, President @IAF_AFFWA, #13Mar 24. Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, #CAS was the Chief Guest.
Another milestone towards indigenous… pic.twitter.com/IyXPnLe4mc

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 14, 2024

Video Credits: Indian Navy/Twitter

The 77.6-meter-long and 10.5-meter-wide ASW SWC warships are of the Arnala class, which was formed to replace the Indian Navy’s current Abhay class ASW Corvettes. These vessels may perform minelaying, Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and anti-submarine operations in coastal seas. They substantially contribute to India’s maritime capabilities with a displacement of 900 tons and a range of nearly 1800 nautical miles.

During the launch, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari emphasised India’s shipbuilding capabilities, stating, “It is a matter of immense pride that India is among select countries in the world with a capacity to build modern warships, submarines, and aircraft carriers.” He praised GRSE for its dedication to delivering warships on time and praised the ASW SWCs’ capabilities, emphasising their role in increasing the Indian Navy’s operational effectiveness.

GRSE — Image Credits: Indian Navy/Twitter

The ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in defence production aligns with the ASW SWC ships, which have more than 80% indigenous material. They have a deadly anti-submarine armament that includes mines, ASW rockets, lightweight torpedoes, hull-mounted sonar, and low-frequency variable depth sonar. They are also equipped with a 30 mm Close-in Weapon System (30 mm) and 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote-Control Guns, making them vital assets in coastal defence.

The nation’s dedication to producing defence hardware domestically is demonstrated by the launching of INS Agray and INS Akshay, which came after the Indian Navy recently received three warships/submarines constructed domestically. If GRSE keeps up its innovative and talented workforce development activities, the shipyard will be a crucial player in the military industry’s drive toward self-reliance.

Launching Ceremony — Image Credits: Indian Navy/Twitter

CMDE Hari, chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, expressed confidence in the shipyard’s capabilities, stating, “As a future-ready shipyard, we are fully geared up to meet the Navy and Coast Guard expectations.” He underlined that GRSE’s goal, first-rate facilities, and emphasis on adopting new technologies would propel the company to become a global leader in constructing warships.

Reference: PIB

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