Indian Navy Commissions INS Androth: Strengthening Coastal Defense with Indigenous Innovation

On October 6, 2025, the Indian Navy officially commissioned INS Androth, its second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The ceremony was presided over 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 and Engineers (GRSE), and other stakeholders. This commissioning marks a significant step forward in India’s maritime defense capabilities and highlights the nation’s growing expertise in domestic shipbuilding.

The Indian Navy commissioned Androth, its second anti-submarine vessel, in Visakhapatnam

Indigenous Design and Technological Advancements

INS Androth, named after Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, is the second vessel in a series of eight ASW SWCs being constructed by GRSE. The ship was delivered to the Navy on September 13, 2025, and features the indigenously developed 30 mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG). Each vessel in this series boasts nearly 88% indigenous content, underlining India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing through initiatives such as ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’.

Designed for high-speed sub-surface surveillance in coastal waters, INS Androth is capable of conducting search and attack missions, as well as coordinated anti-submarine operations alongside aircraft. Its shallow draught of 2.7 meters, coupled with three marine diesel engines driving water jets, makes the vessel highly agile and capable of operating effectively in restricted coastal zones—a crucial advantage in modern anti-submarine warfare.

Operational Capabilities and Strategic Importance

The ship is equipped with advanced lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and Combat Management Systems, allowing it to detect and neutralize underwater threats efficiently. Accommodating a crew of 57 personnel, including seven officers, INS Androth significantly enhances India’s ability to safeguard its extensive coastline and maritime interests. The vessel represents a strategic leap in coastal defense and reinforces the Navy’s modernization drive.

The MGMM Outlook

The Indian Navy’s commissioning of INS Androth on October 6, 2025, marks a significant advancement in the nation’s maritime defense capabilities. As the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), the vessel underscores India’s focus on indigenously developed defense technology. Named after Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, the ship features nearly 88% domestic content, including a 30 mm Naval Surface Gun designed within the country. With its shallow draught and three marine diesel engines driving water jets, INS Androth is built for high-speed, agile operations in coastal waters, enabling efficient sub-surface surveillance, search and attack missions, and coordinated anti-submarine activities alongside aircraft.

Beyond its advanced engineering, INS Androth strengthens India’s strategic maritime posture by incorporating lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and a modern Combat Management System, enhancing the Navy’s ability to detect and neutralize underwater threats. With a crew capacity of 57 personnel, the vessel plays a vital role in protecting the nation’s extensive coastline and maritime interests. This commissioning highlights India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing and its commitment to modernizing naval infrastructure, reflecting the country’s broader vision of asserting itself as a capable and innovative maritime power.

(Sources: India Today, The New Indian Express, NDTV)