Indian Navy Commissions INS Androth, Boosting Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities
Visakhapatnam – The Indian Navy commissioned INS Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), on October 6, 2025, in a ceremonial event held at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
INS Androth embodies India’s maritime ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat has over 80% indigenous content, reflecting the Navy’s focus on enhancing homegrown solutions and technologies. Measuring 77m in length and displacing about 1500 tonnes, INS Androth is designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters. The vessel is a state-of-the-art submarine hunter equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems for detecting, tracking, and neutralising sub-surface threats.
It is powered by three waterjet propulsion systems driven by marine diesel engines, making it extremely agile and manoeuvrable. 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.
The ship has been named after Androth, the northernmost island of the Lakshadweep group, known for its historical and strategic importance in India’s maritime domain. The commissioning of INS Androth adds a significant punch to the Navy’s ASW capabilities, particularly in countering threats posed by adversaries in the littorals. The induction underscores the Navy’s continued emphasis on indigenisation, innovation, and capability enhancement, while reaffirming the vital contribution of GRSE in strengthening India’s maritime security architecture.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar emphasised the strategic importance of indigenously built platforms like INS Androth in strengthening India’s maritime prowess and safeguarding national interests. The commissioning marks a major step towards bolstering the Navy’s capability in Anti-Submarine Warfare and reaffirms India’s commitment to regional peace, security, and maritime cooperation.
Upon commissioning, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Pendharkar visited various parts of the ship and was provided a detailed briefing on construction journey and newer indigenous capabilities of the ship. He also interacted with the Commissioning Crew of the ship and officials of GRSE and congratulated them for their dedicated efforts towards timely deployment of INS Androth.
The induction of INS Androth stands as a proud milestone in India’s journey towards a modern, self-reliant Navy capable of safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests across the spectrum of conflict.
