INS Arnala: India's First Indigenous ASW Shallow Water Craft
- vidyarthee2021
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Arnala, marking a significant step in India's journey from a "Buyer’s Navy" to a "Builder’s Navy". It is the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) to be built indigenously.
Key Features of INS Arnala
Type: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)
Named After: Arnala Fort, a coastal fort off Maharashtra known for its naval history.
Indigenous Build: Designed and manufactured in India under the Make in India initiative.
Propulsion:
First Indian warship of its size (77 meters) to use a Diesel Engine-Waterjet propulsion combo.
Enables high maneuverability in shallow waters.
Operational Capabilities
Sub-surface Surveillance and Interdiction
Search and Rescue Missions
Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO)
Especially suited for coastal defense, anti-submarine patrols, and littoral warfare.
Strategic Significance
Enhances India’s capacity to detect and neutralize underwater threats in shallow coastal zones.
Reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defense.
Boosts maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), especially against submarine intrusions.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 3: Internal Security – Maritime Security, Defense Technology, Indigenization of Defense
Prelims: Features and functions of INS Arnala, ASW-SWC, Propulsion systems
UPSC Prelims Practice Question:
Q. With reference to INS Arnala, consider the following statements:
It is India’s first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft.
It is propelled by a nuclear-powered jet engine.
It has been built indigenously under the Make in India initiative.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: INS Arnala is India's first ASW-SWC.
Statement 2 is incorrect: It uses a diesel engine-waterjet combination, not nuclear propulsion.
Statement 3 is correct: It is part of India’s indigenization efforts in defense production.
UPSC Mains Question (GS Paper 3)
Discuss the significance of indigenous platforms like INS Arnala in strengthening India’s coastal and maritime security. How does this align with India's broader goals under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives?
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