- India,
- 06-Oct-2025 04:40 PM IST
- (Updated 06-Oct-2025 02:47 PM IST)
INS Androth: Today, the Indian Navy inducted INS Androth, its second anti-submarine warfare ship (ASW-SWC), into its fleet. This warship marks a significant step towards India's maritime power and self-reliance. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC), at a ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. This ship will not only strengthen India's coastal security but will also play a vital role in countering underwater threats.Why was it named Androth?INS Androth is named after Androth Island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. This island has historically been known as the guardian of India's western seaboard. Androth Island monitors vital sea lanes, crucial for energy imports and commercial trade from the Middle East and Africa to India's coast. The island also protects the country from threats such as smuggling, piracy, and infiltration. The ship's name reflects the role of sentinels of the island of Androth, symbolically embodying the warship's purpose of protecting India's maritime interests.INS Androth's Special FeaturesIndigenously built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited, Kolkata, INS Androth is a shining example of self-reliant India. The key features of this warship are as follows:Indigenous Construction: Built with over 80% indigenous content, this 77-meter-long and approximately 1,500-tonne ship demonstrates the maturity of India's shipbuilding industry.Cutting-edge Technology: This warship is equipped with advanced sensors, weapons, and propulsion systems specifically designed for anti-submarine warfare in coastal and shallow waters.Anti-Submarine Capability: Equipped with advanced hull-mounted sonar, variable depth sonar, torpedoes, mines, and close-in ASW weapons, the ship is capable of detecting and neutralizing enemy submarines.Effective in the Littoral Warfare Domain: It is more effective in shallow waters than conventional large warships, enhancing India's defense capabilities in coastal areas.Hunter of the SeaINS Androth is designed under the ASW-SWC class, specifically designed for operations in shallow and coastal waters. The ship is part of the Navy's layered anti-submarine warfare grid, complementing larger destroyers, frigates, and maritime patrol aircraft. This warship provides a strong deterrent to enemy submarines and helps establish India's maritime dominance.A Step Towards a Self-Reliant IndiaINS Androth's induction into the Indian Navy is not just the arrival of a new warship, but also a symbol of India's growing maritime power and commitment to self-reliance. Along with other recently commissioned ships such as Arnala, Nistar, Udaygiri, and Nilgiri, INS Androth reflects the Indian Navy's efforts to strengthen its operational capabilities through indigenous design and construction. This warship is a symbol of technological and tactical marvel, highlighting India's national pride and strategic maritime resolve.
