INS Arnala: First Anti-Submarine Shallow Water Craft
Why in the news
The Navy commissioned INS Arnala at Visakhapatnam, leading a series of 16 anti-submarine shallow water craft that strengthen coastal and underwater security.
Key facts
- Builder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata, with L&T Shipbuilders.
- Area: coastal waters and Indian Ocean Region.
- Roles: coastal surveillance, mine-laying, sub-surface work, low-intensity maritime operations, search and rescue.
- Content: BEL, Mahindra Defence, MEIL and L&T systems; AI-driven combat suite, sonar arrays.
About Arnala Fort
- At Arnala village, Vasai taluka, Maharashtra; also called Jaldurg.
- Raised by Sultan Mahmud Begda in 1516; later held by Portuguese, Marathas, Mughals and Peshwas.
- Rectangular, with three gates and several bastions; wells gave water though food was scarce.
Exam angle
- Lead ship of ASW-SWC class; builder GRSE.