INS Androth : India’s New Guardian of the Seas – Commissioned into the Navy

INS Androth : In a momentous ceremony that underscores India’s push towards maritime self-reliance, the Indian Navy welcomed its latest asset, INS Androth, into active service on October 6, 2025. Held at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, the event marked a significant milestone in the nation’s defense modernization efforts. Presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, the commissioning was attended by senior naval officers, representatives from the builders, and other dignitaries. This sleek anti-submarine warfare vessel isn’t just another ship—it’s a symbol of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India), boasting over 80% indigenous content and designed to fortify coastal defenses against underwater threats.

A Quick Dive into the Arnala-Class Legacy

INS Androth is the second vessel in the Arnala-class series of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), following the lead ship, INS Arnala, which was inducted just months earlier in August 2024. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), this corvette replaces the aging Abhay-class vessels from the 1980s. The program aims to deliver a total of 16 such ships—eight from GRSE and L&T, and eight from Cochin Shipyard—enhancing the Navy’s littoral warfare capabilities.

The name “Androth” pays homage to the northernmost island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, reflecting India’s deep ties to its island territories and the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region. As Vice Admiral Pendharkar aptly put it during the ceremony, “Platforms like INS Androth underscore India’s resolve to build a self-reliant Navy capable of safeguarding our maritime interests and contributing to regional stability.”

Under the Hood: Specs That Pack a Punch

At first glance, INS Androth might seem compact for a warship, but its design is optimized for agility in shallow waters—perfect for coastal patrols and rapid response missions. Here’s a breakdown of its key specifications:

Armed to the teeth for its role, INS Androth features lightweight torpedoes launched from triple tubes on both sides, anti-submarine rockets via a forward RBU-6000 launcher, a 30mm naval gun developed by GRSE, and twin 12.7mm machine guns on remote-controlled mounts. Advanced sonar and sensor suites enable precise detection and neutralization of underwater threats, making it ideal for sub-surface surveillance up to 200 nautical miles offshore. Beyond ASW, it supports maritime surveillance, search and rescue, port protection, minelaying, and even limited air defense—all while coordinating seamlessly with aircraft.

This isn’t just hardware; it’s a versatile platform for low-intensity operations in India’s vast littorals, from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal.

Why INS Androth Matters: Strengthening the Blue Frontier

In an era where submarine threats from adversarial powers loom large in the Indo-Pacific, vessels like INS Androth are game-changers. The Indian Navy’s ASW fleet gets a decisive upgrade, bolstering coastal defense and enabling proactive countermeasures in shallow-water environments. This commissioning aligns perfectly with the “Make in India” initiative, reducing dependency on foreign imports and fostering domestic innovation in shipbuilding.

As tensions simmer in the region, INS Androth joins its sister ship to patrol vital sea lanes, ensuring the security of trade routes that carry over 90% of India’s commerce. It’s a reminder that India’s maritime ambitions aren’t just about projection—they’re about protection, resilience, and readiness.

Waves of Indigenization

With four more ASW-SWCs slated for delivery by 2026, the Arnala-class fleet is set to grow rapidly, transforming the Navy’s shallow-water operations. Events like this commissioning not only inspire national pride but also highlight the collaborative spirit between public and private sectors in defense manufacturing.

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As INS Androth sails into the horizon, it carries the hopes of a nation charting its course in a multipolar world. Stay tuned for more updates on India’s naval renaissance—because in the game of thrones on the high seas, self-reliance is the ultimate weapon.