INS Androth Joins Indian Navy’s ASW Fleet

The Indian Navy has bolstered its maritime capabilities with the induction of the second Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft, named Androth. This significant addition was officially delivered by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata over the weekend and is set to be commissioned later this month. The vessel is named after Androth Island, part of the Lakshadweep archipelago, and follows the earlier induction of INS Arnala in June.

Strengthening Naval Defense with ASW Shallow Water Crafts

India’s fleet of ASW Shallow Water Crafts is strategically designed to counter threats posed by submarines, particularly those from Pakistan, in shallow coastal waters. The INS Androth enhances the Navy’s operational readiness and capabilities in this critical area.

The ASW Shallow Water Crafts are equipped with advanced technology to detect enemy submarines from a distance of 100 to 150 nautical miles off the coast. They feature a robust armament system, including lightweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rocket launchers, a 30mm naval gun, and sophisticated sonar systems. With a maximum speed of 25 knots and an operational range of 3,300 kilometers, these vessels are not only adept at submarine hunting but also play vital roles in coastal surveillance, search and rescue missions, and low-intensity maritime operations.

Additionally, these crafts serve as route-clearers for larger naval vessels departing from harbors, making them essential for fleet operations. The introduction of INS Androth marks a significant step in enhancing India’s maritime security framework.

India’s Ambitious ASW Program

The Indian Navy’s long-term ASW initiative aims to construct a total of 16 shallow water crafts, a project that received approval from the Defence Acquisition Council in 2013. The contract was awarded in 2019 under the “Buy and Make in India” initiative, with production split between GRSE in Kolkata and Cochin Shipyard, each responsible for building eight vessels.

Each ASW craft displaces approximately 1,490 tonnes and measures 77 meters in length. This program represents a crucial advancement towards establishing a self-reliant naval force capable of addressing both conventional and asymmetric underwater threats. With the successful delivery of INS Androth, the Indian Navy continues to enhance its operational capabilities and readiness in the face of evolving maritime challenges.