Kolkata : Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd achieved another milestone on Monday with the launch of ‘Ajay’, the 8th and final ship in a series of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs) being built for the Indian Navy.
The ship was ceremonially launched by Smt Priya Deshmukh, wife of Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Materiel, Indian Navy, who graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The event was attended by Cmde P R Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd), Director (Shipbuilding), GRSE, Abhishek Ranjan, IOFS, CVO, GRSE, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy and GRSE.
Heritage of ‘Ajay’
The launch of Ajay carries a deep historic significance as it connects India’s shipbuilding past with the present. The first INS Ajay, delivered in 1961, was India’s first indigenous warship built by GRSE, laying the foundation for the country’s self-reliance in defence shipbuilding. The new Ajay continues this proud legacy.
Progress of the ASW SWC Series
The first ship of this ASW SWC class, INS Arnala, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on June 18, 2025. The second vessel, Androth, has successfully completed contractor sea trials and is ready for delivery. Ajay was launched less than nine months after the 7th ship, Abhay, highlighting GRSE’s strong focus on maintaining delivery schedules.
Capabilities of ASW SWCs
The 77.6-metre-long and 10.5-metre-wide ASW SWCs are designed for coastal defence and anti-submarine warfare. Their primary role is to detect and neutralize enemy submarines close to the coast. However, these vessels are versatile and capable of:
- Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO)
- Mine-laying
- Sub-surface surveillance in coastal waters
- Operations against surface platforms
- Coordinated anti-submarine missions with aircraft
These warships are equipped with a formidable arsenal, including lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, mines, a 30 mm Close-in Weapon System, and 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote-Control Guns. Advanced sensors, such as a Hull Mounted Sonar and Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonar, enhance their underwater surveillance capabilities.
Leadership Speaks
Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh praised GRSE for its stellar progress, stating:
“Commissioning of Arnala last month and the upcoming delivery of the second ship reinforces GRSE’s strong partnership with the Indian Navy and the Indian industry. GRSE has built the highest number of warships delivered by any Indian shipyard and continues to strengthen India’s quest for a modern blue water Navy.”
He further highlighted GRSE’s ongoing projects, including P-17 Alpha frigates, large survey vessels, NGOPVs, and several other special defence projects.
Cmde P R Hari emphasized the shipyard’s future goals:
“With 16 warships currently under construction for the Indian Navy and many more orders in the pipeline, I am confident GRSE will deliver its 100th warship within the next decade.”
