NEW DELHI: In another milestone in warship-building, Kolkata-based defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) on Thursday delivered Amini, the fifth of the eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC) being built by the shipyard for the Indian Navy.Amini is the 119th warship built by GRSE and the 81st warship delivered to the Navy. Designed for operations in coastal waters, ‘Amini’ has the ability to undertake comprehensive sub-surface surveillance, search and attack missions, and coordinated anti-submarine warfare operations in conjunction with aircraft. Equipped with an advanced combat management system, lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine warfare rockets, the warship is capable of detecting, tracking and engaging underwater threats, significantly enhancing the Indian Navy’s capabilities to safeguard India’s maritime interests and coastal waters.The ASW SWC was accepted by Rear Admiral Gautam Marwaha, VSM, CSO (Tech), Headquarters Eastern Naval Command.Measuring 77.6 metres in length, the vessel is powered by marine diesel engines coupled with waterjets, providing enhanced agility and maneuverability. With a shallow draught of 2.7 metres, the warship is ideally suited for littoral operations, enabling it to access shallow coastal waters and effectively undertake missions involving the detection and neutralisation of sub-surface threats.In keeping with GRSE’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Amini reflects the shipyard’s strong focus on indigenous shipbuilding. The ASW-SWCs incorporate 88% indigenous content and are equipped with a 30mm naval surface gun manufactured by GRSE, further highlighting the shipyard’s contribution towards developing and integrating indigenous defence technologies.GRSE is currently building 13 frontline naval platforms, comprising one Project 17A advanced stealth frigate, three ASW-SWCs, four next generation offshore patrol vessels and five next generation corvettes. In addition, the shipyard is constructing 36 other vessels, including 13 export platforms. This diverse and substantial order book reinforces GRSE’s position as a key contributor to India’s maritime security, indigenous defence manufacturing and growing shipbuilding capabilities.On March 30, GRSE achieved a historic milestone by delivering three frontline naval platforms — Dunagiri, Sanshodhak and Agray — to the Indian Navy on the same day.
