The Indian Navy commissioned INS Androth, the second ship in its series of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), on Monday at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. The ceremony was led by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, and attended by senior naval officials, representatives from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and other dignitaries.
A Milestone in Indigenous Shipbuilding
INS Androth highlights India’s progress towards self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, with over 80% indigenous content. Built by GRSE, the vessel reflects India’s growing expertise in shipbuilding technology and defence innovation.
Design and Capabilities
The ship measures 77 metres in length and displaces around 1,500 tonnes. It is specially designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters and is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems to detect, track, and neutralize sub-surface threats.
Powered by three waterjet propulsion systems driven by marine diesel engines, INS Androth offers high agility and manoeuvrability, enabling it to carry out maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), coastal defence, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).
Strategic Significance
The commissioning strengthens the Navy’s ASW capabilities, enhancing its ability to secure India’s littoral waters and counter emerging underwater threats. It also reinforces the Navy’s focus on indigenisation, innovation, and operational readiness.
INS Androth is named after Androth Island, the northernmost island of the Lakshadweep group, known for its historical and strategic maritime significance.
Recognition and Collaboration
Vice Admiral Pendharkar highlighted the strategic importance of indigenous platforms like INS Androth for maritime security and regional stability. He praised GRSE and the ship’s crew for their timely construction and operational readiness.
INS Androth is the second of eight ASW-SWC vessels being built by GRSE, following the commissioning of INS Arnala on June 18, 2025.
A significant contribution came from the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), which supplied special-grade steel , including HR sheets and plates, sourced from Bokaro, Bhilai, and Rourkela plants for all eight ships in the series. SAIL hailed this as a milestone in India’s naval modernisation journey and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting strategic defence infrastructure through indigenous steel production.
Symbol of Strength and Self-Reliance
The commissioning of INS Androth not only enhances India’s ASW capabilities but also stands as a symbol of technological excellence, self-reliance, and maritime strength, reflecting the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding India’s vast maritime interests.
