Navy Receives Agray, Fourth Indigenous ASW Shallow Water Craft

03 Apr 2026 CW Team

Agray, the fourth of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), was delivered to the Indian Navy by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, on 30 March 2026. The vessel was indigenously designed and built and its delivery was announced by the Ministry of Defence. The delivery forms part of a series of eight vessels contracted to enhance coastal defence and regional maritime security.

The ASW SWC series was designed and constructed in accordance with the Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), reflecting the progress of indigenous defence shipbuilding. The ships measure approximately 77 metres in length and are the largest Indian Naval warships propelled by waterjets. They are fitted with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and shallow water sonar to enable effective detection and engagement of underwater threats. The platform's design emphasises manoeuvrability and endurance for operations in shallow littoral waters.

Induction of Agray will augment the Indian Navy's anti-submarine and mine-warfare capabilities as well as coastal surveillance. The ship is a reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Agray, which was the fourth vessel of the 1241 PE class of patrol vessels and was decommissioned in 2017. The reuse of the name continues naval tradition of perpetuating distinguished legacy names. This continuation of legacy names is intended to preserve naval heritage and esprit de corps.

Agray's delivery is described as a milestone in the Navy's pursuit of indigenous shipbuilding and aligns with the Government's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with over 80 per cent indigenous content. The vessel underscores the growing strength of the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem and sustained efforts to reduce dependency on imports. GRSE's continued work on the programme is expected to support timely delivery of the remaining vessels in the series.

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