The Indian Navy has taken delivery of Androth, the second in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs) being built by defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The milestone strengthens India’s maritime security architecture while showcasing progress in self-reliance under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The ASW SWCs are indigenously designed and constructed as per the Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). Built to operate in shallow waters, these ships significantly enhance the Navy’s capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, coastal surveillance, and mine-laying operations.
Saturday’s (September 13, 2025) delivery comes just four months after the first warship of this series – Arnala – was delivered on May 8, 2025 and this was commissioned into the Navy on June 18, 2025.
INS Androth: Why is it important for India’s maritime security?
Named after Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, the ship symbolizes India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime territories. At 77 meters in length, the ASW SWCs are the largest Indian naval warships propelled by a unique Diesel Engine–Waterjet propulsion combination, enabling speed, maneuverability, and operational efficiency in coastal waters.
The ship is equipped with some advanced features like state-of-the-art lightweight torpedoes, indigenous anti-submarine warfare rockets, advanced shallow-water SONAR systems. These systems allow precise detection and engagement of hostile submarines in littoral zones, giving the Navy an operational edge in near-shore defence.
What all is INS Androth capable of?
The ships are capable of full-scale sub-surface surveillance of coastal waters as well as Search and Attack. They can also carry out coordinated anti-submarine operations with aircraft. These ships have Combat Management Systems on board and will be armed with lightweight torpedoes as well as anti-submarine warfare rockets.
These ships will have a complement of 57 personnel, including seven officers. With three water jets (fitted to marine diesel engines), Androth is extremely agile and maneuverable. A great advantage is that she only requires a draught of 2.7-metres, allowing her to access the coasts easily in search of sub-surface threats.
INS Androth’s contribution to Aatmanirbhar Bharat?
With over 80% indigenous content, the anti-submarine warship stands as a milestone in India’s shipbuilding journey. Its delivery reflects the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, reducing reliance on foreign defence imports while promoting domestic industry capabilities.
Androth is the second in a fleet of eight ASW SWCs to be delivered by GRSE. As the remaining ships join service in the coming years, the Indian Navy will field a formidable shallow-water force dedicated to countering submarine threats, ensuring coastal security, and enhancing India’s presence in its vast maritime domain.