In a significant development aimed at bolstering the Indian Navy's capabilities, two new warships designed to enhance anti-submarine operations in coastal waters and low-intensity maritime operations were launched on Wednesday.
Crafted by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), the two anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW SWC) were ceremoniously launched by Neeta Chaudhari, wife of Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari.
The vessels were christened INS Agray and INS Akshay.
The ASW SWC's primary role is to conduct anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine-laying operations, as confirmed by a GRSE official.
Addressing the gathering, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari expressed pride in India's capability to construct modern warships, submarines, and aircraft carriers, placing the nation among a select group of countries with such prowess.
Highlighting the significance of maritime security, Chaudhari emphasized the importance of sea lanes of communication in global trade and prosperity. He also noted recent events, particularly in the Red Sea, which underscored the threats in the maritime environment.
In response, Chaudhari highlighted the Indian Navy's efforts in patrolling high seas and safeguarding seafarers and merchant vessels.
Notably, the advanced ASW SWC launched on Wednesday boasts over 80% indigenous content, with a majority of its equipment and systems sourced from domestic manufacturers, said Chaudhari.
Meanwhile, Commodore P R Hari (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, highlighted the company's track record, having delivered 71 warships to the Indian Navy to date.
He disclosed that GRSE is currently executing four projects for the Navy, encompassing 18 warships, and aspires to be a global leader in warship building.
The newly launched warships mark the fifth and sixth in a series of eight ASW SWCs being built by GRSE for the Navy, with four ships of the same class already launched.
These vessels, measuring 77.6 meters in length and 10.5 meters in width, boast a maximum speed of 25 knots and are equipped with a formidable anti-submarine armament, including lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, mines, and guns, confirmed the GRSE official.
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