‘Amini’, the 4th of 08 x ASW Shallow Water Crafts SWC Project being built by M/s GRSE for Indian Navy, was launched on 16 Nov 2023 at M/s L and T, Kattupalli. The Launch Ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, COM. In keeping with maritime tradition, Mrs Manju Naithani launched the ship to the invocation from Atharva Veda. The ship has been named Amini to signify the strategic maritime importance accorded to the island of Amini at Lakshadweep. The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between MoD and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata on 29 Apr 2019. As per the build strategy, four ships being built at GRSE, Kolkata and balance four ships are sub-contracted to M/s L and T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli for hull and part outfitting. Arnala class of ships will replace the in-service Abhay class ASW Corvettes of Indian Navy and are designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, as also for Low Intensity Maritime operations (LIMO) and Mine Laying Operations. The ASW SWC ships are 77.6 m long, 10.5 m wide, with a draught of 2.7 m, displacement of 900 tons, maximum speed of 25 knots and endurance of 1800 NM. The third ship of the class was launched on 13 Jun 2023 at M/s L and T, Kattupalli. Launch of four ships of the same class within a year highlights our strides in indigenous shipbuilding and commitment towards AtmanirbharBharat. The first ship of the project is planned to be delivered in early 2024. The ASW SWC ships will have over 80% indigenous content, thereby ensuring that large scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units, generating employment and capability enhancement within the country.
