The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Androth, the second vessel in its series of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at a ceremonial event held at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, in the presence of senior naval officers, representatives from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and distinguished dignitaries.
INS Androth represents a significant milestone in India’s maritime journey towards self-reliance under the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, with more than 80% indigenous content. Built by GRSE, the vessel showcases India’s growing shipbuilding capabilities and technological innovation in the defence sector.
Measuring 77 metres in length and displacing about 1,500 tonnes, INS Androth is specially designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters. The ship is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems, enabling it to detect, track, and neutralise sub-surface threats with precision. Powered by three waterjet propulsion systems driven by marine diesel engines, the vessel boasts high agility and manoeuvrability, allowing it to undertake Maritime Surveillance, Search and Rescue (SAR), coastal defence, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).
The ship’s commissioning adds substantial strength to the Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities, enhancing its ability to secure India’s littoral waters and counter emerging underwater threats. It also reinforces the Navy’s continued focus on indigenisation, innovation, and operational readiness.
INS Androth derives its name from Androth Island, the northernmost island of the Lakshadweep group, known for its historical and strategic maritime significance.
Speaking at the commissioning, Vice Admiral Pendharkar underscored the strategic importance of indigenous platforms like INS Androth in bolstering India’s maritime security and ensuring regional peace and stability. He commended the dedicated efforts of GRSE and the ship’s commissioning crew for the timely completion and operational readiness of the vessel.
The construction of INS Androth marks another success for GRSE, which is building eight ASW-SWC vessels for the Indian Navy. The first of the series, INS Arnala, was commissioned on June 18, 2025.
A crucial contribution to the project came from the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), which supplied the entire requirement of special-grade steel – including HR sheets and plates – for INS Androth as well as for all eight ships in the series. The steel was sourced from SAIL’s Bokaro, Bhilai, and Rourkela plants. SAIL termed this as a proud milestone in India’s naval modernisation journey and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the country’s strategic defence infrastructure through indigenous steel production.
The commissioning of INS Androth not only enhances India’s ASW capability but also stands as a symbol of technological excellence, self-reliance, and maritime strength, reflecting the Navy’s steadfast resolve to safeguard the nation’s vast maritime interests.