Launch of Agray and Akshay Marks Milestone in ASW SWC Project at M/S GRSE, Kolkata

M/S Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, witnessed a historic moment with the launch of the fifth and sixth ships of the 08 x ASW Shallow Water Craft (SWC) Project for the Indian Navy. Named ‘Agray’ and ‘Akshay’, these vessels were launched on 13th March 2024 in a ceremony graced by Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC, Chief of the Air Staff. Mrs. Neeta Chaudhari, President AFFWA, carried out the ceremonial launch, adhering to maritime tradition, with invocations from the Atharva Veda.

The ships, rechristened after the erstwhile Abhay Class Corvettes Agray and Akshay of the Indian Navy, mark a significant step in bolstering India’s maritime capabilities. The contract for constructing eight ASW SWC ships was signed between the Ministry of Defence and GRSE on 29th April 2019. The Arnala class of ships, designed to replace the in-service Abhay class ASW Corvettes, are adept at anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and Mine Laying Operations.

Measuring 77.6 meters in length, 10.5 meters in width, with a draught of 2.7 meters and a displacement of 900 tons, the ASW SWC ships boast a maximum speed of 25 knots and an endurance of 1800 NM. The launch of these vessels underscores India’s commitment to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in shipbuilding, with over 80% indigenous content ensuring significant contributions to defense production by Indian manufacturing units, thereby fostering employment and capability enhancement within the country.

Over the past year, three indigenously built warships/submarines for the Indian Navy have been delivered, with a total of nine warships launched. The launch of the fifth and sixth ships of the ASW SWC project further emphasizes the nation’s dedication to self-reliance in defense manufacturing, a testament to India’s strides towards achieving maritime prowess.