CHENNAI, India — The Indian Navy will formally commission the Anjadip, its third indigenous shallow-water anti-submarine warship, on Feb. 27, symbolizing a significant expansion of the nation’s coastal defense capabilities.
The ceremony, scheduled to take place at Chennai Port, will be presided over by Adm. Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. The vessel will join the Eastern Naval Command.
Named after a strategic and important island near Karwar, the Anjadip is the third of eight vessels planned under the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project. The ship was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
A ‘Dolphin Hunter’ for the Coast
Designed specifically for the littoral combat environment—the shallow waters close to the shoreline—the Anjadip has been nicknamed a “Dolphin Hunter.” Its primary mission is to detect, track, and neutralize enemy submarines in coastal regions.
The 77-meter (252-foot) vessel is equipped with an entirely indigenous suite of high-tech weaponry and sensors, including:
- Abhay Hull Mounted Sonar: For advanced underwater detection.
- Offensive Armament: Lightweight torpedoes and ASW rockets.
- Propulsion: A high-speed water-jet system facilitating speeds up to 25 knots.
Versatility in the Littoral Zone
Beyond its primary anti-submarine role, the Navy confirmed the Anjadip is designed for “Low-Intensity Maritime Operations” (LIMO). Its dexterity makes it suitable for:
- Coastal surveillance and search-and-rescue missions.
- Safeguarding maritime assets near Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
- Rapid response in congested coastal shipping lanes.
Focus on Self-Reliance
Defense officials are hailing the commissioning as a milestone for Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). The Navy noted that the project affirms India’s transition into a “Builder’s Navy,” capable of designing and constructing complex combatants domestically.
The arrival of the Anjadip follows the induction of its predecessor ships in the class, while India continues to modernize its fleet to counter growing underwater threats in the Indian Ocean region.
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