Today on October 25, 'Abhay,' the seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) designed for the Indian Navy, was launched at L&T's Kattupalli facility. The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command.
Following maritime tradition, Mrs. Sandhya Pendharkar, President of the Navy Wives Welfare Association (NWWA), Eastern Region, had the honor of launching the ship.
The contract to build eight ASW SWC ships was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in April 2019. These vessels, part of the Arnala class, will replace the currently in-service Abhay-class ASW corvettes, boosting India's coastal defense capabilities. Designed for anti-submarine operations in shallow waters, low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO), and mine-laying missions, these ASW SWC ships span approximately 77 meters, reach speeds up to 25 knots, and have an endurance of 1,800 nautical miles.
The launch of 'Abhay' showcases India's commitment to self-reliance in defense, with over 80% indigenous content in its construction. This indigenization aligns with the nation’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, strengthening the domestic defense industry while fostering job creation and enhancing manufacturing capabilities.