Indian Navy Strengthens Coastal Defence with Delivery of Indigenous Warship Amini

The Indian Navy has received another significant addition to its indigenous fleet with the delivery of Amini, the fifth Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) being constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The vessel was delivered to the Navy on November 5, 2026, at Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu, marking another important achievement in India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime security and domestic defence manufacturing.

Designed and built entirely in India, Amini is part of a programme involving eight specialised shallow-water anti-submarine warfare vessels. These platforms are being developed to improve the Indian Navy’s ability to detect, monitor and respond to underwater threats, particularly in coastal and shallow-water environments. The ships have been constructed by GRSE in accordance with the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

Amini has been specifically designed for operations in littoral waters, where conventional larger warships may face operational limitations. The vessel measures approximately 77.6 metres in length and uses marine diesel engines coupled with waterjet propulsion. This configuration provides improved manoeuvrability and allows the craft to operate effectively in challenging coastal environments.

One of the vessel’s most important features is its advanced anti-submarine warfare equipment. Amini is equipped with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and modern sonar systems. These technologies enable the vessel to detect, track and engage hostile submarines operating beneath the surface. Its integrated combat systems also support coordinated anti-submarine missions alongside naval aircraft, improving the Navy’s ability to monitor underwater activity.

Apart from its primary anti-submarine warfare role, the vessel will contribute to coastal surveillance and mine-laying operations. These capabilities are particularly important for protecting India’s ports, naval installations, shipping routes and strategically important coastal areas. The addition of specialised shallow-water platforms will help the Navy maintain a stronger presence in areas where underwater threats require continuous monitoring.

The name Amini carries historical significance for the Indian Navy. The vessel is named after Amini Island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. It also revives the legacy of the earlier INS Amini, a Petya III-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette that was decommissioned in 2002. Continuing the name reflects the Navy’s tradition of preserving the legacy of its previous warships.

The delivery also highlights the growing contribution of India’s domestic shipbuilding industry. According to the Ministry of Defence, Amini incorporates more than 80 per cent indigenous content, demonstrating the increasing involvement of Indian manufacturers in producing advanced naval platforms and defence technologies. This achievement supports the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to reduce dependence on foreign defence imports and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities.

With the delivery of Amini, GRSE has achieved another milestone in its contribution to India’s naval modernisation programme. The vessel adds an important capability to the Indian Navy’s coastal defence network at a time when maritime security and underwater surveillance remain significant priorities.

The addition of this indigenous warship reflects India’s continued focus on developing a technologically capable and self-reliant naval force. As the remaining vessels under the eight-ship programme progress towards delivery, the Indian Navy is expected to further strengthen its ability to counter underwater threats and safeguard the country’s maritime interests.