In a major step towards strengthening India’s maritime security and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, the Indian Navy on Monday, October 6, 2025, formally inducted the indigenous vessel ‘Androth’ at a commissioning ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The vessel is the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and features over 80% indigenous content, reflecting India’s growing commitment to defence self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, presided over the ceremony, which was attended by senior naval officials, defence industry representatives, and dignitaries from the Ministry of Defence. The induction of Androth marks a significant milestone in the Navy’s ongoing efforts to modernise its fleet and enhance operational readiness in littoral zones.
Key Specifications and Capabilities of INS Androth
| Feature | Specification/Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft |
| Builder | Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) |
| Indigenous Content | Over 80% |
| Operational Role | Coastal defence, submarine detection |
| Deployment Zone | Eastern Seaboard, Bay of Bengal |
| Crew Capacity | Approx. 50 personnel |
| Sensor Suite | Advanced sonar, underwater surveillance systems |
| Weapon Systems | Lightweight torpedoes, depth charges |
| Endurance | 7 days at sea |
| Speed | 25 knots (max) |
Designed to operate in shallow coastal waters, Androth is equipped with state-of-the-art sonar systems, lightweight torpedoes, and advanced underwater surveillance technologies. Its compact size and agility make it ideal for tracking and neutralising submarine threats in India’s vast littoral zones, especially in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
Strategic Importance – Enhancing India’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Posture
| Strategic Objective | Contribution of INS Androth |
|---|---|
| Coastal Surveillance | High-frequency sonar for shallow water ops |
| Submarine Threat Neutralisation | Torpedo launch capability and depth charges |
| Maritime Deterrence | Rapid response to underwater incursions |
| Indigenous Defence Capability | Built under Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative |
| Fleet Modernisation | Part of ASW-SWC series of 8 vessels |
The commissioning of Androth comes amid increasing concerns over Chinese submarine activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). With growing strategic competition and evolving underwater threats, the Indian Navy has prioritised the induction of agile, technologically advanced platforms capable of operating in constrained environments.
Vice Admiral Pendharkar highlighted the vessel’s role in bolstering India’s maritime deterrence. “Androth is a testament to our resolve to secure our coastal waters with indigenous solutions. It will play a pivotal role in countering submarine threats and enhancing our surveillance footprint,” he said.
Recent Inductions – Indian Navy’s Expanding Indigenous Fleet
| Vessel Name | Type | Induction Year | Builder | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INS Arnala | ASW Shallow Water Craft | 2024 | GRSE | Coastal defence |
| INS Nistar | Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel | 2024 | DRDO | Submarine rescue operations |
| INS Udaygiri | Stealth Frigate | 2025 | Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders | Multi-role combat operations |
| INS Nilgiri | Guided Missile Frigate | 2025 | MDL | Surface warfare and air defence |
| INS Androth | ASW Shallow Water Craft | 2025 | GRSE | Anti-submarine warfare |
The ASW-SWC series, of which Androth is the second vessel, is part of a larger naval expansion plan that includes eight such ships. These vessels are designed to operate in shallow waters, detect and engage hostile submarines, and support fleet operations along India’s 7,500 km coastline.
The Navy’s emphasis on indigenisation is evident in the vessel’s design, construction, and systems integration. GRSE, which has built over 100 warships for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, collaborated with Indian defence startups and public sector units to ensure that Androth meets global standards while remaining cost-effective.
Indigenisation Drive – Defence Manufacturing Ecosystem
| Component/System | Indigenous Partner/Source | Contribution to INS Androth |
|---|---|---|
| Hull Design | GRSE Naval Architects | Optimised for shallow water ops |
| Sonar Suite | BEL and DRDO | High-resolution underwater sensors |
| Combat Management System | Bharat Electronics Ltd | Integrated tactical control |
| Propulsion System | Kirloskar and L&T | High-efficiency marine engines |
| Communication Systems | HAL and Astra Microwave | Secure naval communication |
The Navy’s push for indigenous platforms aligns with India’s broader strategic goals of reducing dependence on foreign defence imports and building a robust domestic manufacturing base. The commissioning of Androth also reflects the Navy’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Social media platforms lit up with patriotic fervour and pride as news of the induction broke. Hashtags like #INSAndroth, #IndianNavy, and #AatmanirbharBharat trended across Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube, with defence enthusiasts and citizens celebrating the milestone.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on INS Androth Induction
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.2M mentions | 90% patriotic | #INSAndroth #IndianNavy #MakeInIndia |
| 1.1M interactions | 88% celebratory | #NavalStrength #AatmanirbharBharat | |
| 950K views | 85% supportive | #AndrothCommissioned #DefencePride | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 82% informative | #IndianNavyUpdate #ASWCapabilities |
In conclusion, the induction of INS Androth marks a significant leap in India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities and maritime self-reliance. As the Indian Navy continues to modernise its fleet with indigenous platforms, Androth stands as a symbol of technological excellence, strategic foresight, and national pride. With its advanced systems and agile design, the vessel is poised to play a critical role in safeguarding India’s coastal waters and asserting its presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available defence briefings, verified naval statements, and official commissioning reports. It does not constitute military advice or prediction of operational outcomes. Readers are advised to follow updates from the Indian Navy and Ministry of Defence for accurate information.
