In a historic event on March 13, 2024, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. successfully launched two Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASWSWC) warships for the Indian Navy, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime defence capabilities. The occasion was graced by Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force who was the chief guest for the function.
The simultaneous launch of the INS Agray and INS Akshay, representing the 5th and 6th in a series of 8 ASWSWCs being constructed by GRSE, showcased the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering warships within the scheduled timeframe to the Indian maritime forces. This impressive accomplishment followed the launch of the 4th warship in the series just a few months prior.
The primary role of the ASWSWCs is to conduct anti-submarine operations in shallow waters, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and mine laying operations. These 77.6-meter-long and 10.5-meter-wide vessels are not only potent in their capabilities but also highly versatile. They are equipped to carry out full-scale subsurface surveillance of coastal waters, various surface platforms, and coordinated anti-submarine operations with aircraft.
Powered by advanced waterjet propulsion systems, these compact warships can achieve maximum speeds of 25 Knots. They are well-armed with lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and mines, as well as a 30mm Close-in Weapon System (30mm) and a 12.7mm Stabilised Remote-Control Gun for enhanced defence. Furthermore, the vessels are fitted with cutting-edge technology, including a Hull Mounted Sonar, a Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonar, and other sophisticated sensors to aid in their anti-submarine operations.
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari praised GRSE’s dedication in meeting the requirements of the Indian maritime forces and their unwavering focus on innovation and skilled workforce development. Cmde P R Hari, Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, emphasised the shipyard’s ambition to become a global leader in warship building. This has been achieved because of a clear vision, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a highly skilled team.
The simultaneous launch of these two ASWSWC warships not only strengthened the Indian Navy’s capabilities but also contributed significantly to the nation’s pursuit of self-reliance in the defence sector. This remarkable achievement highlights the unwavering efforts of GRSE and the Indian maritime forces in ensuring the nation’s security and prosperity.
Team Bharatshakti
