Indian Navy to Induct Second ASW Shallow Water Craft 'Androth'
The Indian Navy is preparing to officially commission its second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, known as Androth, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on October 6, 2025. Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, who is the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, will preside over the event, which marks the introduction of the second vessel out of a planned series of sixteen ASW-SWC ships into active service.
Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. in Kolkata, Androth is a testament to India's commitment to Aatmanirbharta and increasing maritime self-sufficiency, as it incorporates over 80% of indigenous components. The vessel's construction was supervised by the Directorate of Ship Production and monitored by the Warship Overseeing Team in Kolkata before being delivered to the Indian Navy on September 13, 2025.
Named after Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, the ship signifies India's dedication to protecting its expansive maritime zones. It continues the lineage of its predecessor, INS Androth (P69), which honorably served the country for more than 27 years before it was decommissioned.
Equipped with state-of-the-art weapon and sensor technologies, cutting-edge communication systems, and waterjet propulsion, Androth is designed to detect, track, and neutralize underwater threats with high precision. The ship's adaptable design also enables it to perform maritime surveillance, conduct search and rescue operations, and execute coastal defense tasks, addressing a broad range of potential threats.
The induction of Androth bolsters India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, highlighting the nation's determination to conceive, develop, and manufacture top-tier warships domestically. This event represents a notable step forward in the Indian Navy’s mission to enhance maritime security and maintain robust operational readiness along the country's extensive coastline.
