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INS Agray Joins Indian Navy's Arnala-Class Anti-Submarine Warfare Fleet

INS Agray is the fifth ship of the Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) series, indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. Launched on 13 March 2024 and delivered on 30 March 2026, this 77-meter-long warship with 900 tonnes displacement enhances Indian Navy’s capabilities in shallow water anti-submarine warfare, coastal surveillance, and mine detection. It has over 80% indigenous content, including waterjet propulsion, hull-mounted sonar, variable depth sonar, anti-submarine torpedoes, and rockets, forming part of a ₹6,311.32 crore contract signed on 29 April 2019 for eight ASW SWCs.

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Key Facts

  • INS Agray is the fifth ship of the Arnala-class ASW Shallow Water Crafts (SWCs) for the Indian Navy.
  • Launched on 13 March 2024 and delivered on 30 March 2026 by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
  • Length: approximately 77 meters; displacement: 900 tonnes.
  • Over 80% indigenous content, reflecting the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
  • Equipped with waterjet propulsion, hull-mounted sonar, variable depth sonar, anti-submarine torpedoes, and rockets.
  • Designed for shallow water anti-submarine warfare, coastal surveillance, mine detection, and neutralization.
  • Part of a contract signed on 29 April 2019 for eight ASW SWCs worth ₹6,311.32 crore.

Background & Context

The Indian Navy procured eight ASW SWCs under the Arnala class to replace aging Abhay-class corvettes and strengthen coastal defense against submarine threats in littoral waters. These ships are engineered for shallow water anti-submarine operations, search and rescue, and mine warfare. INS Agray continues this strategic enhancement, symbolizing India’s commitment to indigenous defense manufacturing and maritime security.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

INS Agray is a notable example of India’s indigenous defense production and modern naval capabilities, which are frequently tested topics in competitive exams, especially in the context of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, maritime security, and defense modernization. Important details include launch and delivery dates, builder (GRSE), technical specifications (displacement, propulsion, armaments), and contract specifics.

Points to Remember

  • INS Agray is part of the Arnala-class ASW SWCs, built indigenously by GRSE.
  • It was launched in March 2024 and delivered in March 2026.
  • The ship is about 77 meters long with a displacement of 900 tonnes.
  • It features over 80% indigenous components and waterjet propulsion for stealth and maneuverability.
  • Armaments include anti-submarine torpedoes, rockets, and hull-mounted sonars.
  • The procurement contract for eight such ships was signed on 29 April 2019 with a value of ₹6,311.32 crore.
  • The class was conceptualized to replace older vessels and enhance operations in shallow coastal waters.
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