INS Androth Joins Indian Navy Fleet in Visakhapatnam
The Indian Navy has taken a major step to strengthen its fleet. On Monday, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), INS Androth, was commissioned into service at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command. The induction of this indigenous vessel reflects the Navy’s unwavering commitment to enhancing self-reliant naval capabilities.
A New Chapter in Indigenous Technology and Self-Reliance
More than 80 percent of INS Androth has been built using indigenous technology and materials. It has been constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, a key name in India’s indigenous defence production and shipbuilding for the Navy. The integration of homegrown materials and technology strengthens India’s naval defence industry, highlighting the growing domestic capacity to safeguard maritime frontiers under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
Specially Designed for Shallow Waters
INS Androth has been specifically designed for operations in shallow coastal waters, also known as littoral zones, where detecting and controlling submarines is particularly challenging. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art shallow water sonar systems, lightweight torpedoes, and indigenous ASW rocket systems. These features make it highly capable of detecting and neutralising enemy submarines. Additionally, the vessel will bolster coastal security and surveillance for the Navy.
Strengthening the Naval Fleet
This is the second ship in the ASW-SWC series. Earlier, the first ship of this class, INS Arnala, was commissioned into the Navy on 18 June 2025. These ships are being inducted to replace the Navy’s ageing Abhay-class corvettes. With these additions, the Navy’s shallow water anti-submarine warfare capabilities will be enhanced, enabling more effective monitoring and neutralisation of hostile submarines lurking in coastal waters.
GRSE’s Role in Indigenous Shipbuilding
The role of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) has been critical in India’s path to naval self-reliance. The construction of INS Androth reflects technological excellence and innovation in naval operations. Designed indigenously and built in collaboration with domestic industries, the project sets a benchmark in Indian shipbuilding. It not only strengthens India’s position in the defence sector but also ensures reliability and superior technological standards in naval operations.
A Strategic Boost for the Indian Navy
The induction of INS Androth marks another significant step in the Indian Navy’s ongoing modernisation and expansion drive. With this addition, the Navy gains enhanced capability to counter hostile submarines operating in coastal and shallow waters. The vessel also meets a wide range of operational requirements, underlining the Navy’s growing focus on littoral warfare and its firm commitment to indigenous design and manufacturing.
Comprehensive Development of the Fleet
In recent months, the Indian Navy has commissioned several advanced warships, including Arnala, Nistar, Udaygiri, Nilgiri, and now Androth. These vessels strengthen the Navy’s multi-dimensional operational capabilities. Built with indigenous technology and design, they signify India’s self-reliance in naval defence and add new strength to maritime security.
A New Direction for Maritime Security
With the induction of INS Androth, India’s maritime defence architecture has gained greater strength. The ship enhances the Navy’s ability to monitor and neutralise enemy submarines, providing an extra layer of security to India’s maritime domain. Its specialised design for shallow waters makes it decisive in countering underwater threats near the coast. At the same time, it reflects the Navy’s commitment to technological innovation and indigenisation.
This initiative by the Indian Navy is not only vital for safeguarding the nation’s maritime frontiers but also serves as an inspiration for indigenous defence production. Through this induction, the Navy has once again demonstrated its self-reliance in shipbuilding and defence technology, reinforcing India’s position as a formidable force at sea.
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