What Does ‘Anjadip’ Mean? Inside the Naming of the Navy’s New Warship Commissioned

The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Anjadip a state-of-the-art anti-submarine warfare vessel designed to strengthen India’s coastal defense and maritime surveillance. This fleet was Commissioned on February 27, 2026 at Chennai Port by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi INS Anjadip is the third ship under the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project. Nicknamed the “Dolphin Hunter,” the vessel enhances India’s ability to detect and neutralise enemy submarines in shallow coastal waters.

INS Anjadip: India’s New ASW Shallow Water Craft

• INS Anjadip is part of an eight-ship ASW Shallow Water Craft programme aimed at enhancing near-shore combat capability.
• The vessel was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
• The Ministry of Defense signed the contract with GRSE on April 29, 2019.
• Keel laying began on June 17, 2022, at Kattupalli shipyard, and the ship was launched on June 13, 2023.
• It took approximately 4 years and 2 months to complete construction.

Why Is It Named ‘Anjadip’?

• The name “Anjadip” comes from Anjadip Island, located off the coast of Karwar in north Karnataka.
• The island holds historical and strategic importance.
• It witnessed decisive naval action during Operation Chutney (December 1961), which contributed to the liberation of Goa.
• By naming the warship after Anjadip Island, the Indian Navy symbolically reinforces its commitment to safeguarding India’s maritime interests, especially along coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Why Is INS Anjadip Called the ‘Dolphin Hunter’?

INS Anjadip has earned the nickname “Dolphin Hunter” due to its specialized anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.

The warship is equipped with,

• Hull-Mounted Sonar “Abhay.”
• Lightweight Torpedoes.
• ASW Rockets.
• Advanced acoustic detection systems.

The hull-mounted sonar Abhay uses acoustic principles similar to dolphins, enabling detection of “silent” diesel-electric or midget submarines hiding in shallow seabeds.

Technical Specifications of INS Anjadip

INS Anjadip is a 77-metre-long vessel designed for speed and agility.

Key features include,

• Top speed of 25 knots.
• High-speed water-jet propulsion system.
• Enhanced manoeuvrability in narrow coastal corridors.
• Advanced combat management systems.

The water-jet propulsion system enables rapid response and stealth operations, allowing the vessel to operate effectively in shallow waters.

Operational Roles Beyond Anti-Submarine Warfare

Although primarily an ASW vessel INS Anjadip is also equipped for,

• Coastal surveillance.
• Low Intensity Maritime Operations.
• Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.

This multi-role capability ensures that the ship contributes to both combat and humanitarian maritime missions.

Successor to the Petya-Class Corvette

• INS Anjadip succeeds the last of the Petya class corvettes, which served the Indian Navy from 1972 to 2003.
• The commissioning marks a transition toward modern, indigenous shipbuilding under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Indian Navy Fleet Strength and 2026 Milestone

• As of February 2026, the Indian Navy operates approximately 145 to 150 commissioned ships and submarines.
• In a significant milestone the Navy is set to commission 19 warships in 2026, the highest number in its history, further strengthening maritime defense capabilities.

Question

Q. INS Anjadip is primarily designed for,

A. Aircraft carrier operations
B. Anti-Submarine Warfare
C. Amphibious assault
D. Mine laying