Indian Navy has taken delivery of INS Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. With over 80% indigenous content, INS Androth represents a major milestone in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and strengthens the Navy’s coastal defence and underwater warfare capabilities.
Key Features of INS Androth
Design & Construction:
- Built indigenously by GRSE, Kolkata, as per Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules.
- Length: ~77 metres.
- Propulsion: Largest Indian Naval warships propelled by a diesel engine–waterjet combination.
Weapon Systems & Equipment:
- Lightweight torpedoes.
- Indigenous ASW rockets.
- Advanced shallow-water SONAR for submarine detection.
- Indigenous 30 mm naval surface gun (second warship of this class to feature it).
Role & Capabilities:
- Anti-Submarine Warfare in shallow/littoral waters.
- Coastal surveillance and security.
- Mine-laying capability.
Naming Significance:
- Named after Androth Island in Lakshadweep, highlighting India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime territories and island chains.
Background
Project Scope:
- INS Androth is the second of eight ASW-SWCs being built by GRSE.
- Another eight ASW-SWCs are being built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL), Kochi.
- The contract for 16 ASW-SWCs was signed in April 2019.
Commissioning Milestones:
- The first ASW-SWC, INS Arnala, was commissioned at Visakhapatnam in June 2025.
- INS Androth is the next step in strengthening shallow water anti-submarine defence.
Strategic Need:
- Growing Chinese PLA Navy presence in the Indian Ocean (largest navy in the world with 360+ warships and submarines).
- Pakistan Navy inducted its third Hangor-class (Chinese-built) submarine with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) in August 2025.
- Indian Navy fleet: ~130 warships and submarines, with 12 vintage submarines still in service despite induction of Scorpene-class boats.
- INS Androth addresses obsolescence and improves ASW capacity.
Significance of INS Androth
- Strengthens India’s anti-submarine and littoral defence capability.
- Boosts domestic shipbuilding industry and reduces dependence on imports.
- Enhances surveillance of sensitive areas like Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Supports long-term naval strategy to counter threats from Pakistan’s submarine arm and China’s naval expansion.ß
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE):
- Founded in 1884, nationalised in 1960.
- Based in Kolkata, West Bengal.
- One of India’s leading shipyards, under Ministry of Defence.
Indian Register of Shipping (IRS):
- Established in 1975, headquartered in Mumbai.
- Provides classification and certification for ships in compliance with international maritime standards.
INS Arnala:
- First ASW-SWC of the series.
- Named after Arnala Island, Maharashtra.
- Commissioned in June 2025 at Visakhapatnam.
Lakshadweep Islands:
- India’s smallest Union Territory (36 islands).
- HQ: Kavaratti.
- Strategic for Indian Navy surveillance in the Arabian Sea.
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW):
- Naval branch focused on detection, tracking, and neutralisation of enemy submarines.
- Tools: SONAR systems, depth charges, torpedoes, ASW rockets, maritime patrol aircraft (e.g., P-8I Poseidon).
P-8I Poseidon Aircraft:
- Long-range maritime reconnaissance and ASW aircraft.
- Operated by Indian Navy since 2013, sourced from Boeing (USA).
Scorpene-class Submarines (Kalvari-class):
- Built under Project-75 at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai.
- Total 6 inducted (2017–2023).
- Conventional diesel-electric attack submarines.