Indian Navy Takes Delivery of Fifth ASW Shallow Water Craft INS Amini

The Indian Navy has formally accepted INS Amini, the fifth of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) currently under construction at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). The handover, which took place at Kattupalli on November 5, 2026, marks a significant milestone in the Navy’s efforts to modernize its littoral defense capabilities.

Tactical Advantages of Shallow Draught Design

Measuring 77.6 meters in length with a shallow draught of approximately 2.7 meters, the INS Amini is specifically engineered to operate in the restrictive environments of ports, harbors, and coastal corridors. These are areas where larger, deep-draught destroyers and frigates face significant navigational risks and reduced operational efficiency.

The vessel’s propulsion system, which couples marine diesel engines with waterjets, provides a distinct tactical advantage over traditional screw-propelled ships. In shallow-water anti-submarine operations, waterjets offer superior maneuverability and a reduced acoustic signature, which is critical when tracking modern diesel-electric submarines or unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) that may attempt to exploit the complex thermal layers and ambient noise of coastal waters.

Indigenous Systems and Strategic Self-Reliance

A defining feature of the INS Amini is its 80% indigenous content. The vessel integrates Indian-made rocket launchers, light torpedoes, and advanced sonar suites, alongside a domestic Combat Management System. This high level of localization suggests a maturing domestic supply chain capable of producing specialized sensors and weaponry that were previously sourced from foreign original equipment manufacturers.

The delivery is part of a broader 16-ship program, with eight vessels being built by GRSE and another eight by Cochin Shipyard. The Ministry of Defence has indicated that these platforms will serve a multi-role function, providing not only anti-submarine capabilities but also coastal surveillance and mine-laying services. GRSE expects to complete its portion of the contract within the 2026-27 financial year, ensuring a rapid densification of the Navy’s coastal screen.

Source: Marine Insight