Context
The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. It strengthens India’s coastal defence and anti-submarine capabilities.
Key Details
- Commissioning: Conducted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
- Built by: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) under the “Make in India” initiative.
- First ship in class: INS Arnala, commissioned in June 2025.
- Specifications:
- Length: 77 metres
- Displacement: 1,500 tonnes
- Crew Capacity: 50–70 personnel (approx.)
- Role: To undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters.
- Features: Equipped with advanced machinery, control systems, and modern sensors.
Strategic Significance
- Enhances coastal surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capability, vital against underwater threats, especially in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Reflects India’s self-reliance in naval shipbuilding, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat and the ‘Make in India’ vision.
- Boosts indigenous defence manufacturing through collaboration with public shipyards like GRSE.