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’s Need for ASW SWCs

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.

Features and Capabilities of ‘Androth’

Indigenous Design and Construction

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.

Technical Specifications

• Length: Approximately 77 metres
• Draught: Around 2.7 metres—ideal for shallow water operations
• Displacement: About 900 tonnes
• Propulsion: Diesel-engine and waterjet combination
• Range: Approximately 1800 nautical miles

The use of waterjets instead of conventional propellers allows higher manoeuvrability, essential for operations near the coast and in confined waters.

Weapons and Sensors

Androth is armed with,

• Lightweight torpedoes
• Indigenous ASW rockets
• 30 mm naval gun and 12.7 mm guns
• Advanced shallow water SONAR for underwater threat detection
• Electronic warfare systems for improved situational awareness
• These systems allow the ship to perform effective submarine hunting, especially in coastal areas.

Symbolism Behind the Name

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.

Strategic Importance

Enhanced Maritime Security

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,

• Deterring underwater threats near naval bases and ports
• Safeguarding commercial shipping lanes
• Patrolling India’s island territories
• Self-Reliant Defence Ecosystem

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.

Operational Integration

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.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the success, a few challenges remain,

• Training: New platforms require continuous training for personnel.
• Maintenance: Waterjet propulsion and advanced sonar systems need robust support infrastructure.
• Timely Delivery: Completing the delivery of all 16 ships without delays is essential to maximise operational readiness.

Key Takeaways

• Androth is the second of 8 ASW SWCs from GRSE.
• Delivered on 13 Sep 2025 at Kolkata.
• Equipped with waterjet propulsion, lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and advanced SONAR.
• Named after Andrott Island in Lakshadweep.
• Over 80% indigenous content, part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.