In a significant stride towards maritime self-reliance, the Indian Navy is set to commission INS Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), on October 6, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
This event not only marks the formal induction of the second vessel in the 16-ship ASW-SWC series but also reflects India’s growing capabilities in indigenous warship design and construction.
A Symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Action
- INS Androth has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, under the supervision of the Directorate of Ship Production and the Warship Overseeing Team.
- Notably, the vessel comprises over 80% indigenous components, making it a shining embodiment of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative in the defence sector.
- The ship was handed over to the Indian Navy on 13 September 2025, ahead of its commissioning. Its design, construction, and outfitting showcase India’s maturing shipbuilding infrastructure and naval engineering expertise.
Legacy and Strategic Significance
- The name ‘Androth’ is inspired by Androth Island, part of the Lakshadweep archipelago, emphasizing India’s strategic focus on securing its maritime boundaries and island territories in the Indian Ocean Region.
- This new vessel inherits the legacy of its predecessor, INS Androth (P69), which served the Indian Navy with distinction for over 27 years. The revival of the name honors both the naval traditions and the operational excellence of the earlier ship.
Advanced Capabilities: More Than Just Coastal Defence
The new INS Androth is not just a coastal asset but a modern multi-role platform tailored for India’s contemporary naval needs. It is equipped with,
- Advanced weapon and sensor suites to detect and track submarines
- Waterjet propulsion systems for high-speed maneuverability in shallow waters
- Modern communication systems for networked maritime operations
These features make the ASW-SWC class ideally suited for,
- Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
- Maritime surveillance and patrol
- Search and Rescue (SAR) operations
- Coastal defence and fleet support
Such capabilities are critical in countering underwater threats, especially in shallow littoral zones, where conventional large warships face operational limitations.
Key Takeaways
- INS Androth to be commissioned on 06 October 2025 in Visakhapatnam.
- It is the second ASW Shallow Water Craft out of a planned fleet of sixteen.
- Built by GRSE, Kolkata, with 80% indigenous content.
- Named after Androth Island in Lakshadweep, reflecting strategic maritime focus.
- Equipped for anti-submarine warfare, coastal defence, and search and rescue.
- Supports India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and SAGAR initiatives.
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