On Sunday, the Indian Navy will officially bring the new Androth – its second anti‑submarine warfare (ASW) shallow‑water craft – into service. The ceremony will take place at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and will be presided over by Vice‑Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag Officer Commanding‑in‑Chief of the Eastern Naval Command.
“This ceremony marks another milestone as the Navy steps up its local shipbuilding and capabilities,” a Navy spokesperson said. “With the Androth joining the fleet, we strengthen our ability to detect and counter submarine threats in littoral waters.”
The name Androth carries symbolic weight. It comes from Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, a reminder of India’s duty to protect its vast maritime borders. A previous patrol vessel, INS Androth (P69), served the country for 27 years before it was decommissioned. The new craft pays tribute to that legacy while adding modern technology.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata built the Androth with over 80 % indigenous content. “The ship showcases India’s growing self‑reliance,” the spokesperson added. “It illustrates the Navy’s focus on indigenous technology, design and innovation.”
The commissioning of Androth follows a recent wave of upgraded warships that includes the Arnala, Nistar, Udaygiri, and Nilgiri. Together, these additions show a balanced expansion across all areas of naval operations. They also underscore a strategic priority: “Aatmanirbharta” – self‑reliance – with Indian shipyards and industries handling the majority of design, components, and innovation.
With Androth’s arrival, the Navy’s anti‑submarine warfare capabilities will grow, helping to secure the country’s coastal waters and enhancing overall maritime security.
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