Context
The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at Visakhapatnam. The event marks a significant leap in India’s drive toward indigenous shipbuilding and naval modernization under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Key Highlights
- Commissioning Ceremony:
INS Androth was commissioned on October 6 at Visakhapatnam, under the command of Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command. - Indigenous Construction:
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, the vessel showcases India’s growing capability in advanced defense manufacturing. - Strategic Role:
Designed for anti-submarine operations in shallow coastal waters, INS Androth will significantly enhance India’s maritime domain awareness and coastal security. - Fleet Modernization:
The ASW-SWC project aims to replace the aging Abhay-class corvettes, ensuring stronger operational readiness against undersea threats.
Significance
- Technological Edge:
INS Androth is equipped with advanced sonar systems, underwater sensors, and torpedo launchers tailored for high-precision detection and neutralization of hostile submarines in littoral zones. - Make in India Milestone:
The vessel exemplifies India’s commitment to defense indigenization, employing local shipbuilding expertise, components, and design innovation. It also strengthens public-sector defense shipyards like GRSE as global players in small warship production. - Part of a Larger Naval Strategy:
The commissioning of INS Androth follows recent inductions such as INS Arnala, INS Nistar, INS Udaygiri, and INS Nilgiri, forming part of a comprehensive naval modernization plan to secure India’s coastal and blue-water operations. - Strategic Significance:
Given the increasing submarine activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)—particularly by regional adversaries—ASW platforms like Androth are critical for deterrence, sea denial, and surveillance missions.