In a significant milestone for India’s naval shipbuilding programme, the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) on Monday launched Yard 3034 ‘Ajay’, the eighth and final vessel in the series of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWC) being built for the Indian Navy.
The launch ceremony took place at GRSE’s facility in Kolkata and was graced by Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, Chief of Materiel, Indian Navy, as the Chief Guest. The vessel was ceremonially launched by Mrs. Priya Deshmukh, following the naval tradition of ship-naming and auspicious release into the water.
Yard 3034 ‘Ajay’ is part of a series of eight ASW-SWC ships awarded to GRSE under the Make in India initiative. These vessels are designed to perform anti-submarine warfare in coastal waters, including search and attack missions, and are equipped with advanced sonar systems, torpedoes, and ASW rockets.
The vessel boasts an 80% indigenous content, reinforcing the government’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign. With a maximum speed of 25 knots and an operational range of 1,800 nautical miles, these crafts are capable of operating in shallow coastal waters with high maneuverability.