Indian Navy Gets Seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Ship ‘Abhay’
The Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities have been significantly bolstered with the launch of ‘Abhay’, the seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC).
The ‘Abhay’ belongs to the advanced Arnala class, which replaces the existing Abhay class ASW Corvettes. Its capabilities include anti-submarine operations, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine-laying operations.
With an approximate length of 77 meters, a top speed of 25 knots, and endurance of 1800 nautical miles, ‘Abhay’ showcases India’s indigenous shipbuilding expertise, boasting over 80% local content.
At the launch ceremony held at M/s L&T, Kattupalli, Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (East), was the chief guest, while Sandhya Pendharkar, President of the Naval Wives Welfare Association (NWWA), Eastern Region, performed the ceremonial launch.
The Ministry of Defense partnered with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in April 2019, to build eight ASW SWC ships.
The ‘Abhay’ launch demonstrates India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense production under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, further strengthening the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities through the Make in India initiative
