Abhay the seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) being built by GRSE for Indian Navy, was launched on 25 October 2024 at M/s L&T, Kattupalli. The Launch Ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, FOCINC ENC. In keeping with maritime tradition, Mrs Sandhya Pendharkar, President NWWA, Eastern Region, launched the ship. The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between MoD and GRSE, Kolkata in April 2019. 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, Low Intensity Maritime Operations LIMO and Mine Laying Operations. The ASW SWC ships are approx 77 m long, with a maximum speed of 25 knots & endurance of 1800 NM. The launch of Abhay highlights the nation’s resolve towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in shipbuilding. ASW SWC ships are designed with 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.
