‘Androth’ set to join Indian Navy fleet

Another indigenous-built warship is all set to join the Navy fleet as ‘Androth’, the second state-of-the-art Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), will be commissioned at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, on 6 October.

To be presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, the event marks the formal induction of the second of the sixteen ASW-SWC ships into the Indian Navy.

Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited, Kolkata, with over 80% indigenous components, Androth is a testament to the Government of India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and a symbol of India’s growing maritime self-reliance.

Constructed under the guidance of the Directorate of Ship Production and the oversight of the Warship Overseeing Team in Kolkata, Androth was handed over to the Indian Navy on 13 September.

The name ‘Androth’ holds strategic and symbolic significance, derived from Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, underscoring India’s commitment to safeguarding its vast maritime territories.

In its previous avatar, INS Androth (P69) served the nation with distinction for over 27 years before being decommissioned. The commissioning of the Androth honours the legacy and spirit of her predecessor.

Fitted with advanced weapon and sensor suites, modern communication systems, and waterjet propulsion, Androth is equipped to detect, track, and neutralise underwater threats with precision. Its cutting-edge capabilities also enable it to undertake maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, and coastal defence missions across the spectrum of threats.

The commissioning of Androth marks another step forward in strengthening India’s maritime security architecture. The ship will not only augment the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities but also reaffirm the nation’s resolve to design, develop, and build world-class warships through indigenous efforts.

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This article is written by Senior Journalist Lakkoju Nagesh Babu.