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GRSE’s Seventh ASW Ship, ‘Abhay’, Joins Indian Navy Fleet

On October 25, 2024, the Indian Navy’s seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), named ‘Abhay’, was launched at M/s L&T’s Kattupalli facility. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), this vessel marks a significant addition to India’s maritime defense capabilities.

  • The launch ceremony was overseen by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command, with Mrs. Sandhya Pendharkar, President of the Navy Wives Welfare Association (NWWA) Eastern Region, performing the ceremonial launch.

Project Background

Contract

  • The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and GRSE, Kolkata, in April 2019.

Class Replacement

  • The Arnala class of ships will replace the existing Abhay class ASW Corvettes in the Indian Navy.

Operational Design

  • These vessels are specifically designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and mine-laying operations.

Specifications

  • Dimensions : The ASW SWC ships are approximately 77 meters long.
  • Speed : Capable of achieving a maximum speed of 25 knots.
  • Endurance : The vessels have an operational endurance of 1,800 nautical miles.
  • Tracking Abilities : The ships can monitor both surface and underwater targets, conducting coordinated anti-submarine operations with aircraft.
  • Armament : Equipped with lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and mines. Armed with a 30 mm Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) and 12.7 mm Stabilized Remote-Control Guns for defense against aerial and surface threats.
  • Surveillance Systems : Fitted with Hull Mounted Sonar and Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonar for comprehensive underwater surveillance.

Significance of the Launch

  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat : The launch of ‘Abhay’ underscores India’s commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative in shipbuilding.
  • Indigenous Content : Over 80% of the ship’s content is indigenous, promoting large-scale defense production by Indian manufacturing units.
  • Economic Impact : This initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities and enhance manufacturing capabilities within the country.

Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? On October 25, 2024, the Indian Navy’s seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), named ‘Abhay’, was launched at M/s L&T’s Kattupalli facility.
Built By Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)
Class Replaced –  Replaces the Abhay class ASW Corvettes
Primary Role Anti-submarine operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), mine-laying operations
Vessel Specifications – Length: 77 meters

– Maximum Speed: 25 knots

– Endurance: 1,800 nautical miles

Tracking Abilities Monitors both surface and underwater targets for coordinated anti-submarine operations
Armament Lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, mines

– 30 mm Close-in Weapon System (CIWS)

– 12.7 mm Stabilized Remote-Control Guns

Surveillance Systems Hull Mounted Sonar and Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonar

GRSE's Seventh ASW Ship, 'Abhay', Joins Indian Navy Fleet_4.1

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