Ready To Detect, Track, Neutralise Unseen Threats: How INS Androth Would Boost Coastal Defence Power

The Indian Navy on Monday (October 6, 2025) commissioned INS Androth, the second ship in the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) series, marking a significant enhancement to India’s coastal defence capabilities. The commissioning ceremony was held at the Naval Dockyard.

It was presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), and attended by senior naval officers and shipyard representatives. INS Androth is the second in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders.

INS Androth was delivered by GRSE last month on September 13, 2025. Named after Androth Island in the Lakshadweep Archipelago, this warship is also the second warship of this class on which an indigenous 30 mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG), manufactured by GRSE, has been fitted.

Why is INS Androth a critical addition to India’s naval fleet?

INS Androth fills a crucial operational gap in India’s anti-submarine warfare strategy, particularly in coastal and shallow waters where traditional larger warships face navigational challenges. With the Indian Ocean Region witnessing heightened submarine activity, Androth’s induction strengthens the Navy’s ability to detect, track, and neutralise underwater threats near the nation’s littoral zones.

Its deployment adds agility and precision to India’s layered maritime defence, complementing the Navy’s larger destroyers, corvettes, and long-range surveillance assets.

How INS Androth strengthens anti-submarine warfare capabilities?

Designed for high manoeuvrability and quick response, the vessel can perform sub-surface surveillance, mine laying, and anti-submarine operations in confined waters. Its advanced sonar systems, lightweight torpedoes, and depth charge projectors make it a formidable platform for countering stealthy submarine incursions.

By operating close to the coast, Androth bridges the gap between harbour defence and blue-water operations, ensuring continuous ASW coverage across all maritime zones.

INS Androth: How is it a milestone in indigenous shipbuilding?

Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata, INS Androth showcases the success of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative in defence manufacturing. Over 80 per cent of its components are indigenously sourced, including hull materials, propulsion systems, and onboard equipment.

The Navy’s statement underscored that “the commissioning of Androth marks another major step in the Navy’s ongoing efforts toward indigenisation and capability enhancement,” reflecting the growing synergy between India’s defence industry and maritime forces.

INS Androth: How its features set it apart?

At 77m in length and displacing about 1500 tonnes, INS Androth is specially designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters. The vessel, a state-of-the-art submarine hunter, is fitted with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems, enabling it to detect, track and neutralise sub-surface threats with precision.

It can sustain prolonged operations in shallow waters and is equipped with technologically advanced machinery and control systems. Powered by three waterjet propulsion systems driven by marine diesel engines, INS Androth is extremely agile. Its capabilities extend to Maritime Surveillance, Search and Rescue, coastal defence missions, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) making it a versatile platform for littoral operations.

It stands ready to detect, track & neutralise unseen threats.

With INS Androth joining the fleet, the Indian Navy now possesses enhanced persistent surveillance and rapid-response capability in critical coastal areas, including the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. As part of a planned fleet of 16 ASW Shallow Water Crafts, Androth represents the Navy’s broader vision of modernising its coastal warfare assets.