Launch of fifth and sixth ships ‘Agre’ and ‘Akshay’ in Kolkata
'Agre' and 'Akshay', the 5th and 6th ships of the 08 . The launch ceremony was presided over by Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhary. In keeping with the maritime tradition, AFFWA President Smt. Neeta Chaudhary launched the ships on the invocation of Atharva Veda. The ships are named Aggrey and Akshay, named after the former Abhay class corvettes Aggrey and Akshay of the Indian Navy.
The contract for construction of eight ASW SWC ships was signed between MOD and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata on 29 Apr 19. The Arnala class ships will replace the in-service Abhay class ASW corvettes of the Indian Navy and are designed to be implemented in India. Anti-submarine operations, low intensity maritime operations (LIMO) and mine laying operations in coastal waters. The ASW SWC ships are 77.6 meters long and 105 meters wide, with a displacement of 900 tonnes and an endurance of over 1800 nmi.
In the last one year, 03 indigenously built warships/submarines have been supplied to the Indian Navy and a total of 09 warships have been launched. The launch of two more ships of the project highlights the country's resolve towards 'Self-reliant India' in shipbuilding. The first ship of the project is planned to be delivered during the first half of 2024. The ASW SWC ships will have more than 80% indigenous content, ensuring that large-scale defense production will be executed by Indian manufacturing units, thereby generating employment and enhancing capacity.
