Commissioning of INS Androth — Strengthening India’s Anti Submarine Capabilities

This event is important in the context of India’s evolving maritime security priorities, indigenization of naval assets, and efforts to counter submarine threats in littoral waters.

Background & Rationale

The naming is symbolic: Androth is an island in Lakshadweep, signifying India’s maritime outreach to its island territories.

The first INS Androth (P69) had earlier served for nearly 27 years, reflecting continuity in naval tradition.

The focus on shallow water ASW capability is guided by the strategic need to monitor waters near coasts, islands, and chokepoints where conventional submarines may operate close to land.

Features & Indigenous Build

High Indigenous Content: The vessel is built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with over 80% indigenous components.

Design & Role: It is optimized for anti‑submarine operations in shallow waters, likely equipped with sonar systems, torpedoes, depth charges and quiet propulsion suited for littoral ASW.

The vessel enhances the Indian Navy’s ability to patrol the “first island chain” and monitor submarine incursions near strategic maritime zones.

Strategic Significance & Security Implications

Maritime Domain Awareness & Deterrence: ASW assets like INS Androth act as deterrents to adversarial submarines operating covertly near Indian coasts, sea lines of communication (SLOCs), and island chains.

Force Multiplication: In combination with surface ships, maritime patrol aircraft, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and coastal surveillance systems, such ASW crafts significantly boost layered maritime defense.

Signal of Self Reliance: Commissioning an indigenously built warship emphasizes India’s resolve to reduce dependence on foreign platforms and strengthen its domestic shipbuilding capabilities, aligned with the “Atmanirbharta” vision.

Regional Balance: In a region witnessing submarine proliferation (e.g. through China’s dual‑use capabilities in the Indian Ocean), enhancing ASW capacity is essential for deterrence and maintaining naval edge.

Challenges & Constraints

Resource & Budgetary Constraints: Sustaining maintenance, crew training, modernization cycles, and platform support for specialized vessels demands consistent funding.

Integration into Network: Effective ASW requires integration of sensor nets, real‑time data links (e.g. maritime domain awareness network), and fusion of multiple platforms.

Skill & Doctrine: Operating ASW platforms in shallow waters demands high technical proficiency and robust doctrine to counter stealthy threats.

Operational Readiness: Ensuring high availability, quick mobilization, and maintenance logistics in remote maritime zones is nontrivial.

Policy Suggestions & Way Forward

Accelerate development of supporting sensor infrastructure (e.g. coastal sonar arrays, marine drones) and integrate platforms under a unified command.

Encourage public-private partnerships and boost R&D funding in underwater sensors, quiet propulsion, and materials.

Enhance crew training and doctrines for littoral ASW operations.

Maintain regular exercises (bilateral, multilateral) focusing on ASW interoperability to test the system under realistic threat scenarios.

Sustain budgetary support for life cycle upkeep, upgrades, and modernization.

Conclusion

The commissioning of INS Androth on 6 October 2025 is a noteworthy milestone in India’s maritime security journey. As submarine capabilities proliferate in the region, specialized assets like shallow water ASW vessels are vital for safeguarding sea lanes, projecting deterrence, and asserting sovereignty in coastal and island waters. The emphasis on indigenous construction further signals India’s commitment to self‑reliance in defense. However, realizing the full potential of INS Androth demands synchronized investment in doctrine, sensor networks, training, maintenance, and integration with broader maritime security architecture.