The Indian Navy today commissioned INS Androth, the second ship in the series of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Kochi. The vessel, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, marks another major stride in India’s pursuit of maritime self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
Named after Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, INS Androth is designed for coastal anti-submarine operations, mine detection, and low-intensity maritime missions. The vessel is equipped with advanced sensors, state-of-the-art weapon systems, and cutting-edge communication technology, making it a potent addition to the Navy’s coastal defence fleet.
The ship’s hull and critical structural components are made entirely of indigenous special-grade steel supplied by the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) from its Bokaro, Bhilai, and Rourkela plants—underscoring India’s growing self-sufficiency in defence materials. Constructed with over 80% indigenous content, the vessel reflects the synergy between India’s defence and industrial sectors. It also highlights the Navy’s commitment to fostering local capabilities in shipbuilding, materials, and design.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, senior naval officials lauded GRSE’s role in delivering the vessel ahead of schedule and commended SAIL for developing high-quality naval steel that meets stringent operational standards. They emphasized that the ASW-SWC class will play a crucial role in strengthening India’s coastal security and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.