Indian Navy Commissions INS Androth, Bolstering Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities

Indian Navy Inducts INS Androth in Visakhapatnam

The Indian Navy officially commissioned INS Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at a ceremonial event held on October 6, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. This induction marks a significant milestone in the Navy's ongoing efforts to enhance its capabilities and promote indigenisation in defence manufacturing.

Advanced Capabilities for Littoral Warfare

INS Androth is designed to undertake anti-submarine warfare duties, including subsurface surveillance in littoral waters, search-and-attack unit (SAU) missions, and coordinated anti-submarine warfare operations. Measuring approximately 77 meters in length, it is among the largest Indian Naval warships powered by a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion system, allowing for swift and agile movement.

The vessel is equipped with a state-of-the-art arsenal and sensor suite, including:

• Lightweight torpedoes
• Indigenous anti-submarine rockets
• Advanced shallow-water sonar system for effective submarine detection and engagement in coastal zones
• Modern communication systems

Beyond its primary ASW role, INS Androth is also capable of performing secondary duties such as maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR) operations, and coastal defence missions.

A Testament to 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'

Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, INS Androth proudly features over 80% indigenous content. This high level of domestic manufacturing underscores India's commitment to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative and its growing maritime self-reliance.

The ship was delivered to the Indian Navy on September 13, 2025, following successful contractor sea trials. INS Androth is the second vessel in the series of 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft planned for the Indian Navy, with INS Arnala being the first, commissioned in June 2025. The overall project involves GRSE building eight vessels and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) building the remaining eight, with GRSE's vessels forming the Arnala-class.

Strategic Importance and Enduring Legacy

The induction of INS Androth significantly bolsters the Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities, particularly in countering threats in the strategically vital littoral waters and the broader Indian Ocean Region. The vessel's name is derived from Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, symbolizing the nation's dedication to safeguarding its expansive maritime domains. This new warship also honors the legacy of its predecessor, the original INS Androth (P69), which served the nation with distinction for over 27 years before its decommissioning, integrating modern capabilities to address evolving maritime threats.

The commissioning of INS Androth, alongside other recent inductions like INS Arnala, INS Nistar, INS Udaygiri, and INS Nilgiri, reflects the Indian Navy's balanced modernization strategy across various platforms and domains, reinforcing its operational spectrum and commitment to a technologically advanced and self-reliant fleet.