Indian Navy inducts ‘Androth’, boosting anti-submarine and coastal operations

At 77 metres in length, the Androth is the largest Indian Naval warship to be powered by a Diesel Engine–Waterjet propulsion system.

The Indian Navy received ‘Androth’, the second in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The induction marks a significant step in advancing self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.

It is named after Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, the ship carries symbolic importance by highlighting India’s determination to secure its vast maritime zones.

At 77 metres in length, the Androth is the largest Indian Naval warship to be powered by a Diesel Engine–Waterjet propulsion system. It is fitted with advanced sensors and weapons, including lightweight torpedoes, indigenous ASW rockets, and shallow-water sonar systems, enabling effective submarine detection and neutralisation in coastal and littoral regions.
Designed and built indigenously as per the Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), the ASW SWC class strengthens the Navy’s capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, coastal surveillance, and mine-laying operations.

With over 80% indigenous content, the delivery of Androth demonstrates India’s growing shipbuilding expertise while reducing reliance on foreign imports. It also reinforces the Navy’s ability to guard against emerging underwater threats in the Indian Ocean Region.

What is an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC)?

An Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) is a specialised naval vessel designed to operate in shallow waters near coastlines. Its primary role is to detect, track, and engage enemy submarines using sonar, torpedoes, and rockets. These ships also support coastal surveillance and mine-laying, making them a crucial component of maritime security in littoral zones where larger warships may not be as effective.