Indian Navy Commissions INS Anjadip, Strengthening Coastal Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities

The Indian Navy has formally commissioned INS Anjadip, a state-of-the-art anti-submarine warfare vessel designed specifically for shallow water operations. The commissioning ceremony was held at Chennai Port on 27 February 2026 in the presence of senior naval officials, marking another important milestone in India’s ongoing naval modernisation programme.

INS Anjadip, often referred to as the “Dolphin Hunter,” has been inducted to strengthen India’s coastal defence architecture at a time when underwater threats in the Indian Ocean Region are becoming increasingly complex. The vessel enhances the Navy’s capability to detect, track and neutralise enemy submarines operating close to India’s coastline and strategic maritime zones.

A view of INS Anjadip, the third vessel of the eight-ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project, which will be formally commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command at Chennai Port on 27 Feb 2026, in Chennai on Monday. (@PIB_India X) | LiveMint

Part of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft Programme

INS Anjadip is the third vessel under the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project, which aims to induct a fleet of specialised ships dedicated to littoral anti-submarine operations. These vessels are being constructed to replace ageing submarine-hunting platforms and create a more agile and technologically advanced coastal defence grid.

The ship has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro, reflecting India’s strong push toward indigenous defence production. With nearly 88 percent indigenous content, the platform embodies the government’s emphasis on self-reliance in critical military technologies.

Advanced Design and Operational Capabilities

Measuring approximately 77 metres in length, INS Anjadip is engineered for high manoeuvrability in shallow waters. Its water-jet propulsion system enables it to achieve speeds of up to 25 knots, allowing rapid response to submarine threats in coastal zones where larger warships may face operational constraints.

The vessel is equipped with advanced anti-submarine sensors and weapons, including a hull-mounted sonar system, lightweight torpedoes, and anti-submarine rocket launchers. These systems provide layered detection and engagement capabilities, significantly enhancing India’s undersea warfare preparedness.

Beyond its primary anti-submarine mission, INS Anjadip is capable of undertaking coastal surveillance, low-intensity maritime operations, and search-and-rescue missions. This versatility ensures that the ship can contribute to both combat readiness and humanitarian assistance when required.

Strategic Context and Growing Maritime Challenges

The induction of INS Anjadip comes at a time when submarine deployments and naval activity in the Indian Ocean Region have increased. Securing sea lanes of communication, safeguarding offshore assets, and protecting coastal infrastructure have become strategic priorities for India.

By strengthening shallow water anti-submarine warfare capabilities, the Indian Navy enhances deterrence and improves its ability to monitor and respond to underwater threats. The ASW-SWC programme is also designed to integrate seamlessly with other naval platforms, including aircraft and larger surface combatants, thereby creating a coordinated and layered maritime defence network.

The MGMM Outlook

The commissioning of INS Anjadip marks a decisive step in strengthening India’s coastal defence at a time when underwater activity in the Indian Ocean Region is steadily intensifying. Designed specifically for shallow-water anti-submarine warfare, this induction significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s ability to detect, track, and neutralise hostile submarines operating near critical maritime zones. As the third vessel under the ASW-SWC programme, it reflects a structured and forward-looking approach to modernising India’s littoral defence grid, ensuring that coastal security keeps pace with evolving naval threats.

Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro, with nearly 88 percent indigenous content, the vessel reinforces India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Its advanced sonar systems, lightweight torpedoes, and high manoeuvrability provide layered operational capability, while its versatility in surveillance and search-and-rescue operations adds strategic depth. The induction of such platforms strengthens deterrence, secures vital sea lanes, and integrates seamlessly into a broader maritime security architecture aimed at safeguarding national interests.

(Sources: LiveMint, Financial Express, Economic Times)