Indian Navy Commissions Indigenously Built Anti-Submarine Warship 'Androth'
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Androth, the second in a series of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at a ceremony in Visakhapatnam. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, the vessel is designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters. The warship boasts over 80% indigenous content, marking a significant milestone in India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing and enhance its coastal defence capabilities.
Unpacked:
INS Androth is equipped with advanced hull-mounted and towed sonar systems, lightweight torpedo tubes, ASW rockets, and an integrated anti-submarine warfare complex, enabling detection, tracking, and neutralization of submarines in shallow waters. Its modern sensor and communication suites further enhance operational effectiveness.
Over 80% of INS Androth’s components are indigenous, sourced from Indian companies like Bharat Electronics and Mahindra Defence. This high level of local content demonstrates progress in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and reduces dependence on foreign suppliers.
Besides anti-submarine warfare, INS Androth can undertake maritime surveillance, search and rescue missions, and general coastal defense operations, making it a versatile asset for protecting India’s maritime interests.
The commissioning strengthens India’s ability to counter submarine threats in littoral (coastal) waters, which are strategically vital. It also represents a broader modernization push, with several new indigenous warships joining the fleet to enhance maritime security and operational flexibility.