Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy on Sunday commissioned INS Androth, the second ship in the series of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, marking a significant step in India's indigenous naval shipbuilding capabilities.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC). Senior naval officials, defence industry representatives, and shipbuilders attended the event, which underscored India’s growing maritime self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, INS Androth represents a major achievement in India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem. The vessel boasts over 80 per cent indigenous content, incorporating advanced weaponry, sensors, propulsion systems, and control equipment developed by Indian firms and research establishments.
“The commissioning of INS Androth marks yet another milestone in the Navy’s steady stride towards capability enhancement and indigenisation,” the Eastern Naval Command said in a statement. “The ship’s induction will greatly strengthen the Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities in coastal and shallow waters.”
The ASW Shallow Water Craft class has been designed to detect, track, and neutralise enemy submarines operating close to India’s coastline. These vessels are particularly suited for littoral operations, where traditional deep-water warships may not be as effective.
INS Androth is equipped with state-of-the-art sonar systems, lightweight torpedoes, and advanced communication networks, allowing it to coordinate seamlessly with other surface and air assets of the Navy. The vessel also features a low acoustic signature and high manoeuvrability, vital for stealth and precision during submarine-hunting missions.
Androth is the second ship in a series of eight ASW-SWCs being built by GRSE under a contract signed with the Ministry of Defence. The first ship of the class, INS Arnala, was commissioned earlier this year. Together, these vessels will form a formidable coastal defence line, reinforcing the Navy’s ability to secure India’s near-sea waters and exclusive economic zones.
The addition of Androth comes at a time when the Navy is expanding its operational reach and modernising its fleet with indigenously designed platforms. Other recent inductions such as INS Arnala, INS Nistar, INS Udaygiri, and INS Nilgiri highlight India’s growing shipbuilding prowess.
The induction of INS Androth not only boosts operational readiness but also exemplifies India’s push for technological autonomy and defence manufacturing self-sufficiency. GRSE, one of the country’s leading defence shipyards, has played a key role in achieving this vision, delivering over 100 warships to date.
With Androth joining the fleet, the Indian Navy continues its journey towards a fully indigenous and modernised maritime force, capable of meeting regional challenges while safeguarding national interests at sea.