Indian Navy Welcomes New Anti-Submarine Vessel Anjadip
The Indian Navy is set to enhance its coastal defense capabilities with the commissioning of the anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC) Anjadip on February 27. The ceremony will take place at Chennai Port, marking a significant addition to the Eastern Naval Command’s fleet. This vessel is the third of eight planned under the ASW-SWC program, aimed at bolstering India’s underwater surveillance and submarine detection efforts.
Advanced Features and Indigenous Design
The Anjadip is engineered specifically for anti-submarine warfare, designed to detect, track, and neutralize enemy submarines in shallow coastal waters. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the ship features an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare weapons and sensor package, including the Hull-Mounted Sonar Abhay. Additionally, it is armed with lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets, enhancing its operational effectiveness.
Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), the Anjadip was delivered to the Indian Navy in December 2022. This project exemplifies a public-private partnership, involving L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, and adheres to the classification standards set by the Indian Register of Shipping. The vessel is named after Anjadip Island, located off the coast of Karwar, and continues the legacy of a previous ship with the same name, which was decommissioned in 2003.
Measuring 77 meters in length, the Anjadip is optimized for operations in shallow waters and can reach speeds of up to 25 knots, thanks to its water-jet propulsion system. Beyond its primary role in anti-submarine warfare, the vessel will also conduct coastal surveillance, low-intensity maritime operations, and search-and-rescue missions. Its deployment is expected to significantly enhance maritime security along India’s eastern coastline, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Strengthening Maritime Security and Self-Reliance
With over 80 percent of its components sourced domestically, the Anjadip reflects the Indian Navy’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to promote indigenous design and construction in the defense sector. The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the Navy’s ongoing efforts to expand its coastal anti-submarine capabilities.
The addition of the Anjadip to the Navy’s fleet marks a significant step forward in enhancing India’s maritime security framework. As the Navy continues to build more warships domestically, the Anjadip stands as a testament to the nation’s growing capabilities in defense technology and maritime operations.
