Indian Navy has commissioned INS Anjadip, the third vessel under the eight-ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project, significantly enhancing India’s coastal anti-submarine capabilities. The warship was formally inducted into the Eastern Naval Command at Chennai Port. With this induction, the Navy strengthens its preparedness in coastal and shallow-water defence operations.
INS Anjadip: Overview
INS Anjadip is designed as a dedicated “Dolphin Hunter”, tasked with detecting, tracking, and neutralising enemy submarines operating in India’s littoral (coastal and shallow water) zones. It is part of the broader ASW-SWC programme aimed at addressing submarine threats close to India’s coastline and critical maritime infrastructure.
The Navy plans to induct 15 more ships this year, apart from INS Anjadip, as part of its modernisation push.
Key Technical Features
- Length: 77 metres
- Propulsion: High-speed Water-Jet Propulsion system
- Top Speed: 25 knots
- Operational Focus: Coastal and shallow waters
The water-jet propulsion allows for high manoeuvrability and rapid response in littoral environments, where traditional propulsion systems may face operational constraints.
Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Suite
INS Anjadip is equipped with an advanced, indigenous ASW weapons and sensor package, including:
- Hull-mounted sonar “Abhay”
- Lightweight torpedoes
- Anti-Submarine Warfare rockets
The integration of indigenous technologies reflects India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Roles Beyond ASW
Although primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare, INS Anjadip is also capable of:
- Coastal Surveillance
- Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO)
- Search and Rescue (SAR) missions
This multi-role capability enhances operational flexibility along India’s coastline.
Built Under Indigenous Shipbuilding Programme
INS Anjadip has been constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, a leading Indian defence shipyard.
The ASW-SWC project supports:
- Indigenous defence manufacturing
- Make in India in defence
- Modernisation of coastal defence infrastructure
Strategic Importance
INS Anjadip will significantly strengthen maritime security along:
- Tamil Nadu coastline
- Puducherry coast
- Southern seaboard
With increasing submarine activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), littoral ASW platforms are critical for:
- Protecting coastal installations
- Securing Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs)
- Monitoring hostile submarine deployments
Significance of Name “Anjadip”
The vessel is named after Anjadip Island, a strategically located island off the coast of Karwar in the Arabian Sea.
Historical relevance:
- Claimed by Vasco da Gama on 24 September 1498 during his first voyage to India.
- The island has long held strategic maritime importance due to its location along western sea routes.
The naming symbolises India’s maritime heritage and strategic awareness.
Broader Naval Modernisation Context
The commissioning of INS Anjadip forms part of the Navy’s broader strategy to:
- Enhance Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities
- Strengthen coastal security architecture
- Increase indigenous warship production
- Address emerging underwater threats in the Indian Ocean Region
Given the increasing presence of submarines in the region, especially from extra-regional powers, shallow-water ASW vessels play a crucial defensive role.