INDIAN ARMED FORCES CHIEFS ON OUR RELENTLESS AND FOCUSED PUBLISHING EFFORTS

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— General Upendra Dwivedi, Indian Army Chief

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— Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Indian Navy Chief

Since, its inception in 1964, SP Guide Publications has consistently demonstrated commitment to high-quality journalism in the aerospace and defence sectors, earning a well-deserved reputation as Asia's largest media house in this domain. I wish SP Guide Publications continued success in its pursuit of excellence.

— Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Indian Air Force Chief
       

Launch of 'Amini', Fourth Ship of ASW SWC (GRSE) Project at L&T, Kattupalli

November 16, 2023 Photo(s): By X / SpokespersonMoD

'Amini', the 4th of 08 x ASW Shallow Water Craft (SWC) Project being built by GRSE for Indian Navy, was launched on November 16, 2023 at L&T, Kattupalli. The Launch Ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel. In keeping with maritime tradition, Mrs Manju Naithani launched the ship to the invocation from Atharva Veda. The ship has been named Amini to signify the strategic maritime importance accorded to the island of Amini at Lakshadweep, located about 400 km west of Kochi.

The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between MoD and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata on April 29, 2019. As per the build strategy, four ships are being built at GRSE, Kolkata and balance four ships sub-contracted to L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli for hull and part outfitting. Arnala class of ships will replace the in-service Abhay class ASW Corvettes of Indian Navy and are designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, as also Low Intensity Maritime operations (LIMO) and Mine Laying Operations. The 77m long ASW SWC ships with a displacement of 900 tons have a maximum speed of 25 knots and endurance of approx 1800 NM.

The third ship of the class was launched on June 13, 2023 at L&T, Kattupalli. Launch of four ships of the same class within a year highlights our strides in indigenous shipbuilding, towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. The first ship of the project is planned to be delivered in early 2024. The ASW SWC ships will have over 80% indigenous content, thereby ensuring that large scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units, generating employment and capability enhancement within the country.

VAdm Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel presided over the launching ceremony of ‘Amini’, the 4th of 08 x ASW Shallow Water Craft (SWC) Project built by M/s arden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) for Indian Navy at M/s L&T, Kattupalli.