Delivery of ‘Androth’ – Second ASW Shallow Water Craft to Navy
On 13 September 2025, the Indian Navy received Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. This marks a significant achievement under India’s defence indigenisation efforts and strengthens the Navy’s capability to monitor and secure its coastal waters from underwater threats.
India has a vast coastline and numerous strategic islands. These regions face increasing submarine activity in the Indian Ocean Region. Replacing ageing platforms like the Abhay-class corvettes, the ASW SWC project aims to enhance India’s ability to operate effectively in littoral zones—shallow waters near the coast. These ships are designed to detect and neutralise submarines, conduct mine-laying operations, and carry out coastal surveillance.
The Ministry of Defence had sanctioned construction of 16 ASW SWCs—8 each by GRSE and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). Androth is the second vessel delivered under this project, after the first, Arnala, was handed over earlier.
Androth is indigenously designed following the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules and incorporates over 80% indigenous content. This aligns with the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat policy, promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The use of waterjets instead of conventional propellers allows higher manoeuvrability, essential for operations near the coast and in confined waters.
Androth is armed with,
The name Androth is derived from Andrott Island, the largest in the Lakshadweep archipelago. It is both strategically located and culturally significant. The choice of name reflects India’s resolve to protect its maritime boundaries and maintain vigilance over its island territories. Naming naval vessels after islands reinforces the strategic connection between naval assets and territorial sovereignty.
The induction of ASW SWCs like Androth greatly enhances India’s preparedness in monitoring shallow coastal waters where conventional deep-sea ships may not operate effectively. They are vital for,
By delivering Androth with mostly indigenous components, India showcases its growing capabilities in defence manufacturing. This reduces import dependency and creates local jobs and technological expertise in shipbuilding.
These vessels will work alongside other naval assets such as maritime patrol aircraft, submarines, and drones to form a multi-layered maritime security framework. Their presence adds depth to India’s anti-submarine warfare strategy in the Indian Ocean Region.
Despite the success, a few challenges remain,
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