Indian Navy to commission INS Androth: Key features of latest anti-submarine warfare ship

The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC)

The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at a ceremonial event on October 6 at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The event will be presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.

"The Indian Navy is set to commission 'Androth', the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam," said an official release from the Eastern Naval Command on Sunday.

"These ships at approx 77 m length, are the largest Indian Naval warships propelled by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination and are equipped with state of the art lightweight torpedoes, Indigenous ASW rockets, advanced shallow water SONAR, enabling effective submarine detection and engagement in littoral zones," a statement from Ministry of Defence said.

"The commissioning of Androth marks another major step in the Navy’s ongoing drive to enhance its maritime combat capabilities and strengthen indigenous shipbuilding," the statement further added.

Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, the vessel showcases more than 80% indigenous content, reflecting India’s growing self-reliance in advanced naval technology and manufacturing.

Designed for high performance in shallow coastal waters, Androth is equipped with modern weapon and sensor suites, cutting-edge sonar systems, and advanced communication and propulsion technologies. These capabilities will allow it to detect, track, and neutralise underwater threats with precision — a crucial strength in India’s anti-submarine warfare operations.

In addition to its primary ASW role, the ship is also capable of undertaking maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR) missions, and coastal defence operations, making it a versatile asset in safeguarding India’s extensive maritime boundaries.

Named after Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, the vessel carries symbolic importance, reaffirming India’s commitment to protecting its far-flung island territories and vital sea lanes. The new Androth also pays tribute to its predecessor INS Androth (P69), which served the nation with distinction for over 27 years.

The ship's induction is expected to significantly bolster the Navy's ASW capabilities, particularly in countering threats in littoral waters, the release added.

Together with recent inductions -- Arnala, Nistar, Udaygiri, Nilgiri, and now Androth-- the Navy continues to strengthen its operational spectrum while embodying the spirit of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) through indigenous design and construction, it added.

*With Agency Inputs