The Indian Navy will induct INS Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam today, marking a major milestone in strengthening India’s coastal defence capabilities.
Built with over 80% indigenous content, Androth is designed to enhance anti-submarine operations in the country’s shallow coastal zones. The induction will significantly boost the Navy’s ability to counter underwater threats in littoral waters, according to a release from the Eastern Naval Command.
Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, will preside over the commissioning ceremony.
Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Androth is the second in a series of eight ASW-SWC vessels under the Indian Navy’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. The ship is equipped with advanced sonar systems, state-of-the-art communication suites, and anti-submarine weapons, enabling it to detect and neutralize underwater threats effectively in shallow waters.
These vessels are compact yet powerful, capable of high-speed operations and coastal surveillance, making them a vital addition to India’s maritime security architecture. The induction of Androth follows that of INS Arnala, the first ASW-SWC, commissioned earlier this year.
With the introduction of Androth, India continues to advance its indigenous shipbuilding program, reinforcing its commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing and enhancing operational preparedness along its vast coastline.
