INS Arnala has the distinction of being the largest diesel engine waterjet-propelled warship to be inducted by the Indian Navy. The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has contracted GRSE and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, to build eight of these vessels each. The Indian Navy’s need for shallow water anti-submarine capability stems from the peculiar hydrological configuration of the Arabian Sea bed, which lies to the west of the Indian peninsula. This peculiar hydrological constraint forces the Indian Navy to maintain a dual ASW capability. Contracts for building 16 ASW SWC vessels were signed with GRSE and CSL in April 2019.