The Indian Navy has added another powerful asset to its fleet with the induction of INS Androth, an indigenously developed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC). The vessel, designed to operate in coastal waters and shallow seas, is aimed at strengthening India’s defence against underwater threats.
INS Androth is the second ship in the ASW SWC series, a programme being executed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The class of ships has been specifically designed for effective anti-submarine operations in littoral zones, with features that include advanced sonar, modern sensors, and lightweight torpedo weapon systems.
Named after Androth Island in Lakshadweep, the ship highlights the Navy’s longstanding tradition of commemorating India’s island territories through warship nomenclature. Its commissioning underscores the country’s push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
The ASW SWC project involves the construction of eight vessels, with INS Arnala being the first to join the Navy earlier. INS Androth’s induction reflects steady progress in bolstering India’s coastal security architecture, particularly at a time when the Indian Ocean Region is witnessing increasing strategic activity.
With this addition, the Navy now possesses an enhanced capability to track and counter hostile submarines operating close to the Indian coastline, ensuring greater maritime safety and security for trade routes, energy supplies, and national interests.
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