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Ajay Warship Launch: How Does It Strengthen India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat Mission?

The ASW Shallow Water Craft (SWC) Ajay, the eighth and final vessel in its series, was launched on 21 July 2025 by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). This warship underscores India’s self-reliance in defence under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, featuring over 80% indigenous components. Designed for anti-submarine operations, Ajay strengthens the Navy’s coastal surveillance and underwater combat capabilities.

Key Features of INS Ajay
Indigenous Development
Built entirely in India by GRSE, continuing the legacy of INS Ajay (1961), India’s first domestically made warship.
Aligns with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat policies, reducing foreign dependency.

Advanced Warfare Systems
Equipped with hull-mounted sonar and Low Frequency Variable Depth Sonar (LFVDS) for submarine detection.
Armed with torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, NSG-30 guns, and a 12.7mm Stabilised Remote Controlled Gun (SRCG).

High-Speed Propulsion
Diesel engines + waterjet propulsion for agility in shallow waters.
Ideal for littoral zones, ensuring quick response to underwater threats.

Strategic Role
Enhances underwater domain awareness and mine-laying capabilities.
Critical for securing India’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Questions & Answers (For Competitive Exams)
Q: Which organization built the ASW SWC Ajay?
A: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
Q: What percentage of indigenous content does Ajay have?
A: Over 80%.
Q: Name the first warship of the ASW SWC class commissioned in 2025.
A: INS Arnala (commissioned on 18 June 2025).
Q: Which propulsion system does Ajay use for shallow-water operations?
A: Diesel engines with waterjet propulsion.
Q: What is the primary role of INS Ajay?
A: Anti-submarine warfare and coastal defence.

Why Is This Important for Exams?
UPSC/SSC/PSC: Questions on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, defence indigenization, and naval developments are frequent.
Defrance Exams (NDA, CDS): Directly relevant to Indian Navy’s modernization and warship technology.
Current Affairs: Ajay’s launch reflects India’s defence preparedness and maritime strategy, a hot topic for interviews and essays.