INS Androth commissioned in Indian Navy enhances coastal defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Built with over 80% indigenous content, it strengthens India’s maritime security.
INS Androth Commissioned into Indian Navy: Strengthening Coastal Defense
🛳️ Introduction to INS Androth
On October 6, 2025, the Indian Navy officially commissioned INS Androth, its second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command.
🏗️ Indigenous Design and Construction
INS Androth is a testament to India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, the vessel boasts over 80% indigenous content. The ship measures 77 meters in length and displaces approximately 1,500 tonnes. It is designed to operate efficiently in shallow coastal waters, enhancing the Navy’s capabilities in Anti-Submarine Warfare.
⚙️ Advanced Capabilities
Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, sonar systems, and weaponry, INS Androth is capable of detecting and neutralizing underwater threats with precision. Its advanced communication suites and waterjet propulsion systems ensure high maneuverability and operational flexibility. The vessel is also adept at conducting maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, and coastal defense missions.
🌊 Strategic Significance
Named after Androth Island, the northernmost island of the Lakshadweep Archipelago, INS Androth holds strategic importance in India’s maritime defense strategy. The commissioning of this vessel underscores the Navy’s commitment to enhancing its coastal defense capabilities and safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
📌 Why This News Is Important
1. Enhancement of Coastal Defense
The induction of INS Androth significantly bolsters the Indian Navy’s ability to counter underwater threats in shallow coastal waters, a critical aspect of national security.
2. Promotion of Indigenous Defense Manufacturing
With over 80% indigenous content, INS Androth exemplifies India’s strides towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, aligning with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
3. Technological Advancement
The vessel’s advanced sensors, sonar systems, and propulsion technology highlight the Navy’s focus on incorporating cutting-edge technology to enhance operational efficiency.
4. Strategic Maritime Significance
Named after Androth Island, the commissioning of INS Androth underscores the strategic importance of the Lakshadweep Archipelago in India’s maritime defense strategy.
5. Contribution to National Security
The addition of INS Androth to the Navy’s fleet strengthens India’s overall maritime security infrastructure, ensuring the protection of its vast coastal boundaries.
🕰️ Historical Context
The journey towards commissioning INS Androth began in December 2013 when the Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement of sixteen ASW vessels to replace the aging Abhay-class corvettes. In June 2014, a tender worth USD 2.25 billion was issued under the ‘Buy and Make India’ category. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) emerged as the primary shipyards for this project.
The keel of INS Androth was laid on December 21, 2021, and the ship was launched into the Hooghly River on March 21, 2023. After completing contractor sea trials in March 2025, the vessel was delivered to the Indian Navy on September 13, 2025. The commissioning ceremony on October 6, 2025, marked the culmination of years of planning and development, reflecting India’s commitment to modernizing its naval capabilities.
✅ Key Takeaways from INS Androth Commissioning
| No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | INS Androth is the second ASW-SWC commissioned into the Indian Navy, enhancing coastal defense capabilities. |
| 2. | The vessel was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers with over 80% indigenous content. |
| 3. | Equipped with advanced sensors, sonar systems, and waterjet propulsion for superior maneuverability. |
| 4. | Named after Androth Island, highlighting the strategic importance of the Lakshadweep Archipelago. |
| 5. | The commissioning underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is INS Androth?
INS Androth is the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) commissioned into the Indian Navy, designed for coastal defense and anti-submarine operations.
2. When and where was INS Androth commissioned?
It was commissioned on October 6, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.
3. Who built INS Androth?
The vessel was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with over 80% indigenous content.
4. What are the key capabilities of INS Androth?
INS Androth is equipped with advanced sensors, sonar systems, waterjet propulsion, and weaponry for anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and coastal defense.
5. Why is INS Androth strategically important?
The ship is named after Androth Island in Lakshadweep, underscoring the strategic significance of India’s shallow coastal waters and islands in maritime security.
6. What historical project is INS Androth part of?
It is part of the initiative to procure sixteen ASW vessels under the ‘Buy and Make India’ program to replace aging Abhay-class corvettes.
7. How does INS Androth contribute to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’?
With over 80% indigenous components, the ship reflects India’s focus on self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
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