In News:

• The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Androth, an indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), marking a significant milestone in strengthening India’s maritime security and self-reliance in defence production.
• Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, INS Androth is the second vessel in a series of eight ASW-SWCs being developed for the Navy.

Strategic Significance

• Named after Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, the ship’s designation underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime frontiers in the Arabian Sea and ensuring the security of critical sea lanes around the island territories.
• The induction comes at a time of growing Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), adding a crucial layer of deterrence and surveillance to India’s coastal defence network.

Design and Capabilities

• INS Androth is designed for anti-submarine operations in shallow waters, coastal security patrols, and escort missions.
• It is 77 metres long and powered by diesel engine–waterjet propulsion, providing superior maneuverability in littoral and near-shore environments.
• Key onboard systems include:

• Advanced indigenous sonar and sensor suites for submarine detection and tracking.
• Lightweight torpedoes and ASW rockets for engaging underwater threats.
• 80% indigenous components, aligning with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative to reduce import dependence in defence production.

Operational Role

• The ship will primarily operate along India’s western seaboard, particularly around Lakshadweep, where it will conduct surveillance and deterrence missions against sub-surface threats.
• Its shallow-water design allows it to access areas that larger vessels cannot, enhancing the Navy’s reach in coastal and island territories.