Commissioning of INS Androth
INS Androth Strengthens India’s Anti Submarine Defence: The Indian Navy will commission INS Androth, the second Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), on 6 October 2025 at the Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam. The ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command.
This event marks the induction of the second vessel in the planned 16-ship ASW-SWC series, showcasing India’s progress in indigenous naval shipbuilding.
Indigenous Construction and Design
INS Androth has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, under the supervision of the Directorate of Ship Production and the Warship Overseeing Team.
The vessel has more than 80% indigenous components, highlighting India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector. It was formally handed over to the Navy on 13 September 2025, ahead of its commissioning.
Static GK fact: GRSE is one of India’s leading defence shipyards, established in 1884 and nationalised in 1960.
Legacy of the Name
The name Androth comes from Androth Island, part of the Lakshadweep archipelago. This reflects India’s focus on securing its Indian Ocean Region and its island territories.
The new vessel also revives the name of an earlier INS Androth (P69), which served the Navy for over 27 years. Carrying forward this legacy strengthens naval traditions and honours the service of its predecessor.
Static GK Tip: Lakshadweep is India’s smallest Union Territory, consisting of 36 islands, with Kavaratti as its capital.
Advanced Features and Roles
The new INS Androth is equipped with:
- Advanced weapons and sensor suites for detecting submarines
- Waterjet propulsion for high-speed maneuverability in shallow waters
- Modern communication systems for networked maritime operations
Its key operational roles include:
- Anti-submarine warfare
- Maritime surveillance and patrol
- Search and Rescue (SAR) operations
- Coastal defence and fleet support
These capabilities make the vessel crucial for countering threats in littoral waters, where larger warships have limitations.
Static GK fact: The Indian Navy was formally established on 26 January 1950, when India became a Republic.
Strategic Significance
The commissioning of INS Androth strengthens India’s maritime security and supports the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. With a fleet of 16 ASW-SWCs planned, India is building a strong shield against underwater threats.
This vessel demonstrates India’s growing self-reliance in defence production and highlights the synergy between naval tradition and modern technology.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
INS Androth Strengthens India’s Anti Submarine Defence:
| Topic | Detail |
| Commissioning date | 6 October 2025 |
| Location | Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam |
| Presiding officer | Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar |
| Shipbuilder | Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata |
| Indigenous content | Over 80% |
| Series | Second of 16 ASW Shallow Water Crafts |
| Named after | Androth Island, Lakshadweep |
| Previous INS Androth | Served for 27 years |
| Key roles | ASW, coastal defence, SAR, surveillance |
| National vision supported | Aatmanirbhar Bharat and SAGAR |
