The Indian Navy has become an essential instrument of national power projection, diplomacy and regional stability in an age of rising strategic competition, resource control and security challenges, said Vice-Admiral Kiran Deshmukh in Kolkata.

He was speaking at the launch of Yard 3034 (Ajay), the eighth and last ship of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) of the Arnala class, indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).

The Vice-Admiral added that the geopolitical situation is rapidly changing, especially in the Indian Ocean region.

“As the global powers endeavour to assert themselves in this region, where 80% of the global trade flows, the Indian Navy needs to retain the stature of being the preferred security partner to the maritime threats that emerge and also the first responder in case of HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) missions,” Mr. Deshmukh said.

80% indigenisation

“Arnala class of ships will be important platforms for the Indian Navy in fleet operations. I am aware that over 80% of indigenisation has been achieved in building this advanced warship that is promoting the mission of self-reliant India in the present scenario where the supply chain disruptions have been a major cause of concern in the industries,” he said.

India is among a few countries that can design and build various types of warships and submarines, he said while mentioning that GRSE has progressed to become one of the premier defence shipyards of the country, having a unique distinction of building more than 110 warships.

The first ship of the Arnala class was commissioned on June 18, 2025 and delivery of the second ship is planned in August 2025. The warship will augment the Navy’s underwater domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare and mine-laying capabilities.

GRSE chairman-cum-managing director Commodore (retd.) P.R. Hari said the ship ‘Ajay’ is one among 16 anti-submarine warfare shallow water vessels being built for the Navy by two shipyards — eight each by GRSE and a sister shipyard. “With 16 warships under construction for the Indian Navy and many more orders for warships expected, I am confident of GRSE delivering a century of warships to Indian Navy within a decade.” Mr. Hari said.

In keeping with the naval tradition, Priya Deshmukh, wife of Mr. Deshmukh, launched the ship. Senior officials from the Indian Navy and GRSE were present for the event.