Launch of ‘Agray’ and ‘Akshay’ Fifth and Sixth Ship of ASW SWC (GRSE) Project

On 13th March 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in the Indian Navy’s shipbuilding program with the launch of ‘Agray’ and ‘Akshay’, the 5th and 6th ships of the 08 x ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) Shallow Water Craft (SWC) Project. These ships are being built by M/S Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata for the Indian Navy.

The Launch Ceremony

The launch ceremony was presided over by Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force. In keeping with maritime tradition, Mrs. Neeta Chaudhari, President AFFWA (Air Force Wives Welfare Association), performed the ceremonial launch of the ships, accompanied by invocations from the Atharva Veda.

The ships have been rechristened as ‘Agray’ and ‘Akshay’, named after the erstwhile Abhay Class Corvettes of the Indian Navy.

ASW SWC Project

The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between the Ministry of Defense and GRSE on 29th April 2019. The Arnala class of ships, as they are known, will replace the in-service Abhay class ASW Corvettes of the Indian Navy and are designed for:

1. Anti-submarine operations in coastal waters
2. Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO)
3. Mine Laying Operations

Specifications

The ASW SWC ships have the following specifications:

• Length: 77.6 meters
• Width: 10.5 meters
• Displacement: 900 tons
• Endurance: Over 1800 nautical miles

Indigenization and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’

The launch of ‘Agray’ and ‘Akshay’ highlights India’s resolve towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) in shipbuilding. These ships will have over 80% indigenous content, ensuring large-scale defense production is executed by Indian manufacturing units, generating employment and capability enhancement within the country.

Delivery Timeline

The first ship of the ASW SWC Project is planned to be delivered during the first half of 2024. In the last one year, the Indian Navy has taken delivery of 03 indigenously built warships/submarines, and a total of 09 warships have been launched.

The launch of ‘Agray’ and ‘Akshay’ marks a significant step towards strengthening the Indian Navy’s capabilities in coastal defense and maritime security operations.