Syllabus
GS 3: Achievements of Indians in science & technology;
Context: Recently, the first of the eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWCs) ‘ARNALA’ was successfully delivered to the Indian Navy at M/s Larsen & Toubro Shipyard, Kattupalli.
About Arnala
- It has been indigenously designed and developed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), based in Kolkata.
- The warship was conceptualized and built following the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification standards, through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between GRSE and L&T Shipyard.
- The vessel is named after the historic Arnala Fort situated near Vasai in Maharashtra.
- The 77 m long warship, is the largest Indian Naval warship propelled by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination.
- The ship has been designed for underwater surveillance, search & rescue operations and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).
- The ship is capable of undertaking ASW operations in coastal waters, along with advanced mine laying capabilities.
- This ship upholds the Government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ with over 80% indigenous content.
- The induction of ASW SWC ships would significantly boost shallow water Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy.
Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWCs)
- These ASW SWCs are designed to enhance India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities in shallow coastal waters.
- They are designed to conduct anti-submarine operations, low-intensity maritime operations and mine laying.
- These vessels are capable of maximum speed of 25 knots and endurance of 1800 nautical miles.
- The vessels are fitted with indigenously developed, state-of-the-art SONARS, for underwater surveillance.