The Indian Navy is preparing to commission its second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), named Androth, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on 6 October 2025. The formal ceremony will be led by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, signifying the induction of this vessel as part of a fleet of sixteen ASW-SWCs being developed.
Androth has been constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. in Kolkata, with more than 80% of its components sourced from indigenous suppliers. The project aligns with India’s initiative towards self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, in defense manufacturing. The ship’s construction was supervised by the Directorate of Ship Production and the Warship Overseeing Team based in Kolkata, culminating in its delivery to the Indian Navy on 13 September 2025.
Named after Androth Island, one of the islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago, the vessel symbolizes the nation’s dedication to protecting its vast maritime interests. This new craft continues the legacy of its predecessor, INS Androth (P69), which served honorably for over 27 years before its decommissioning.
Equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and sensor systems, alongside modern communication capabilities and waterjet propulsion, Androth is engineered to detect, track, and neutralize underwater threats efficiently. Additionally, its adaptable platform enables it to carry out various operations, including maritime surveillance, search and rescue missions, and coastal defense operations.
The commissioning of Androth represents a significant enhancement of India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, underscoring the country’s commitment to self-sufficiently design and manufacture advanced naval warfare vessels. This milestone contributes to the Indian Navy’s broader strategy to strengthen maritime security and improve operational readiness along the nation’s extensive coastline.
