The Indian Navy has received Amini, the fifth Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) being constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, marking another important development in India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding programme. The vessel was delivered to the Navy on November 5, 2026, at Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu, strengthening India’s ability to detect and respond to underwater threats in coastal waters.
Designed and built by GRSE in accordance with the classification requirements of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), Amini is specifically developed for operations in shallow coastal waters. Measuring approximately 77.6 metres in length, the warship is among the largest Indian naval vessels to use waterjet propulsion. Its propulsion system combines marine diesel engines with waterjets, providing improved manoeuvrability and operational flexibility in restricted maritime environments.
Amini is equipped with advanced sonar systems, lightweight torpedoes and indigenous anti-submarine rocket launchers, enabling it to detect, track and engage underwater threats. The vessel also features a Combat Management System that supports the integration and coordination of its onboard combat systems during naval operations. These capabilities will allow the warship to undertake underwater surveillance, search and attack missions, as well as coordinated anti-submarine warfare operations alongside naval aircraft.
Apart from its primary anti-submarine warfare role, the ASW-SWC platform is designed to support coastal surveillance, mine-laying and other maritime security operations. Its ability to operate in shallow waters makes it particularly suitable for monitoring strategically important coastal areas, ports and approaches where larger naval vessels may face operational limitations. The addition of Amini will therefore contribute to the Indian Navy’s efforts to strengthen maritime security and protect India’s coastal interests.
The vessel takes its name from Amini Island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. It also carries forward the legacy of the earlier INS Amini, a Petya III-class anti-submarine warfare corvette that served in the Indian Navy before being decommissioned in 2002. The continuation of the name reflects the Navy’s tradition of preserving the legacy of its earlier warships.
The delivery of Amini also highlights the growing contribution of India’s domestic defence manufacturing industry to naval modernisation. According to the Ministry of Defence, the vessel has more than 80 per cent indigenous content, demonstrating the increasing participation of Indian shipyards and defence manufacturers in developing advanced naval platforms. The programme supports the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by encouraging domestic production and reducing dependence on imported defence equipment.
With Amini joining the Navy as the fifth vessel in the eight-ship ASW-SWC programme being built by GRSE, India continues to expand its specialised coastal warfare capabilities. The delivery represents another step towards strengthening the Navy’s underwater surveillance network and improving its ability to respond to submarine-related threats in the country’s maritime areas.