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‘Amini’ the fourth among the series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) projects constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for the Indian Navy, was unveiled on Thursday at Kattupalli in Tamil Nadu. The launch event was overseen by Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel.
Following maritime traditions, the ship was inaugurated by Manju Naithani, the wife of Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, with the ceremony accompanied by an invocation from the Atharva Veda.
Named ‘Amini’ in recognition of the strategic maritime significance attributed to the island of Amini at Lakshadweep, situated about 400 km west of Kochi, the ASW SWC ship was recently launched at Kattupalli in Tamil Nadu. With a length of 77m, a displacement of 900 tons, a maximum speed of 25 knots, and an endurance of approximately 1800 NM, these Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) vessels are a part of an eight-ship project.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing indigenous shipbuilding for a self-reliant India, involves four ships constructed at GRSE, Kolkata, and the remaining four subcontracted to L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli.
The Arnala-class ships are slated to replace the existing Abhay-class ASW Corvettes, designed for anti-submarine, Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and Mine Laying Operations in coastal waters. The project is expected to contribute over 80% indigenous content, fostering large-scale defense production and boosting national employment and capabilities. The first ship is anticipated to be delivered in early 2024.
