Indian Navy commissions INS Androth

New Delhi, Oct 6: The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Androth, the second in the series of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at a ceremonial event held 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, in the presence of senior naval officers, representatives from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and distinguished guests.

Built with over 80% indigenous content, INS Androth stands as a testament to the vision of a maritime Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). The vessel has been designed and constructed by GRSE under the Navy’s initiative to enhance homegrown technological capabilities in shipbuilding.

Measuring 77 metres in length and displacing around 1,500 tonnes, INS Androth is a state-of-the-art anti-submarine warfare platform capable of operating effectively in coastal and shallow waters. It is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems to detect, track, and neutralise underwater threats with high precision.

Powered by three waterjet propulsion systems driven by marine diesel engines, the vessel is agile, manoeuvrable, and capable of performing multiple roles including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, coastal defence, and low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO).

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Admiral Pendharkar highlighted the ship’s strategic significance, stating that platforms like INS Androth “demonstrate India’s growing indigenous capability and commitment to safeguarding national maritime interests.” He commended GRSE and the commissioning crew for their “dedicated efforts and timely delivery of a platform that enhances the Navy’s operational readiness.”

The ship is named after Androth, the northernmost island of the Lakshadweep group, known for its rich maritime heritage and strategic relevance. The induction of INS Androth adds significant strength to the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capability, underscoring India’s continued focus on indigenisation, innovation, and regional maritime security.