The Indian Navy strengthened its maritime capabilities with the commissioning of INS Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on October 6. This event, attended by senior naval officers and representatives from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, was presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command.
INS Androth follows the commissioning of INS Arnala, the first vessel in this category, earlier in June. Built with over 80% indigenous content, INS Androth exemplifies the Indian Navy’s commitment to enhancing self-reliance through domestic solutions and advanced technologies. Measuring 77 meters in length and displacing approximately 1,500 tonnes, the ship is specifically designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters.
Equipped with cutting-edge weapons, sensors, and communication systems, INS Androth can efficiently detect, track, and neutralize underwater threats with remarkable precision. The vessel boasts advanced machinery and control systems, enabling it to conduct prolonged operations in shallow waters while remaining agile and maneuverable. Powered by three waterjet propulsion systems driven by marine diesel engines, INS Androth enhances the Navy’s operational versatility, supporting maritime surveillance, search and rescue, coastal defense, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).
Vice Admiral Pendharkar highlighted the strategic significance of INS Androth in augmenting the Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities, especially in countering potential threats in littoral regions. His remarks underscored the Navy’s ongoing emphasis on indigenization and innovation, along with the crucial role that GRSE plays in bolstering India’s maritime security architecture.
The vessel is named after Androth, the northernmost island of the Lakshadweep archipelago, which holds historical and strategic importance in India’s maritime landscape. As part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has supplied all the special-grade steel used in the construction of INS Androth. This includes high-quality HR sheets and plates, which are instrumental in the ship’s design and durability.
SAIL has provided the necessary steel sourced from its facilities in Bokaro, Bhilai, and Rourkela, contributing to the eight ASW-SWCs currently being constructed by GRSE, including INS Arnala. The commissioning of INS Androth marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s journey toward self-sufficiency and modernization, reinforcing its capability to protect national interests in the maritime domain.
The addition of INS Androth not only enhances India’s naval strength but also reflects the country’s dedication to building a robust maritime defense strategy. As the Navy continues to innovate and expand its fleet, the induction of vessels like INS Androth signifies a critical step in ensuring maritime security in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-commissions-its-second-asw-class-ship-ins-androth/article70131374.ece
Category : India
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Publish Date: 2025-10-06 21:21:00
