VISAKHAPATNAM, India — The Indian Navy formally commissioned the INS Androth, its second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), on Oct. 6, 2025, during a ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The vessel’s induction marks a significant expansion of the Navy’s capability to counter sub-surface threats in coastal and shallow waters.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice Adm. Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command.
The INS Androth stands as a key symbol of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative, boasting over 80 percent indigenous content. The ship underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to enhancing its forces through homegrown solutions and innovative technologies.
Measuring 77 meters in length and displacing approximately 1,500 tonnes, the INS Androth is specifically designed for anti-submarine operations in the littoral waters. Described as a state-of-the-art submarine hunter, the vessel is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems to detect, track, and neutralize threats with precision. Powered by three waterjet propulsion systems driven by marine diesel engines, the craft is noted for its agility and maneuverability.
Beyond its primary ASW role, the versatile platform’s capabilities extend to maritime surveillance, search and rescue, coastal defense missions, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).
Vice Adm. Pendharkar emphasized the strategic importance of indigenously built platforms, such as the INS Androth, in strengthening India’s maritime prowess and safeguarding national interests. The commissioning is viewed as a significant step toward bolstering the Navy’s ASW capability while reaffirming India’s commitment to regional peace and security.
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, the vessel has been named after Androth, the northernmost island of the Lakshadweep group, which holds historical and strategic significance for India’s maritime domain.
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