The INS Androth, the second in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC), was launched in Kolkata on Tuesday. INS Androth, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, is approximately 77.6 meters long and 10.5 meters wide, with a draught of only 2.7 meters.
INS Androth
The ship made her first contact with Hooghly River water at 1430 Hrs during the Launch Ceremony, which was presided over by VAdm Dinesh K Tripathi, FOC-IN-C. In keeping with the Naval traditions, Smt Shashi Tripathi launched the ship to the chanting of invocation from Atharva Veda. Mr Arun Lal, former Indian cricketer and head coach of the Bengal cricket team, was the ceremony’s Guest of Honor. The ship has been named Androth to signify the strategic maritime importance accorded to the island of Androth, located about 170 Nm northwest of Kochi, in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
Significance of Sub Killer INS Androth
These ships can reach a top speed of 25 knots thanks to three diesel-powered water jets. Their primary role is to conduct anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine-laying operations.
“These ships can also conduct full-scale subsurface surveillance of coastal waters and various surface platforms, as well as ASW operations in coordination with aircraft.” These ships may be smaller in size but will pack a lethal punch,” GRSE said, in a press statement. These ships also carry lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and mines, a close-in weapon system (with a 30 mm gun), and 16.7 mm stabilized remote-controlled guns. The Androth and its companion ship will be outfitted with hull-mounted sonar as well as a low-frequency variable depth sonar.
Conclusion
The launch of two ships of the same class in a span of three months reinforces our resolve towards indigenous shipbuilding as part of the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’. The first ship in the project is scheduled to be delivered to the Indian Navy on December 23. The ASW SWC ships will contain more than 80% indigenous content, ensuring that large-scale defence production is carried out by Indian manufacturing units, creating jobs and enhancing capability within the country.
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