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The Indian Navy is gearing up to welcome its latest addition to its fleet, the INS Arnala, a cutting-edge Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC). Constructed jointly by Kolkata's Garden Reach Shipbuilders, Cochin Shipyard, and Larsen & Toubro, this formidable vessel is set to bolster India's defense capabilities.

With a project valued at ₹12,622 crores, a total of 16 warships are slated for construction, with INS Arnala leading the pack. Sporting a displacement of 900 tonnes, this corvette-class warship measures approximately 255 feet in length and 34 feet in beam, capable of reaching speeds of up to 46 kilometers per hour.

The INS Arnala boasts impressive features, including the capacity to accommodate 7 officers and 57 sailors, and an impressive operational range of 3300 kilometers. Its combat management systems are top-notch, equipped with an ASW Combat Suite designed to arm the vessel for countering enemy threats and ensuring its safety during combat.

In terms of armament, the INS Arnala is fully equipped with rockets, anti-submarine weapons, and sea mines. Notably, it features the formidable RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher, capable of firing rockets rapidly at enemy submarines. Additionally, it will carry six lightweight ASW torpedoes and anti-submarine sea mines for added defensive capability.

The vessel's firepower is further enhanced by a 30-millimeter CRN-91 naval gun, capable of firing 550 bullets per minute with a range of 4 kilometers, along with two OFT 12.7-millimeter M2 stabilized remote-controlled guns.

A significant highlight of the INS Arnala is its water jet propulsion system, making it the largest warship in the Indian Navy to utilize such technology. This propulsion system not only enhances maneuverability but also adds to the vessel's stealth capabilities, making it a formidable force in shallow coastal waters.

The arrival of INS Arnala marks a substantial leap forward in India's defense capabilities, particularly in countering underwater threats in coastal regions. With its advanced weaponry, sophisticated sensors, and robust design, INS Arnala is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding India's maritime interests and securing its territorial waters.