INDIAN NAVY SET TO COMMISSION ‘ANDROTH’, SECOND IN ASW-SWC SERIES

The Indian Navy is set to commission the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), Androth, on 06 October 2025. This development is crucial for UPSC aspirants focusing on GS Paper 3, which covers security challenges and their management in border areas. Last Updated: 2025-09-24

Key Facts About Androth

• Ministry: Ministry of Defence
• Date: 23 SEP 2025
• Commissioning Date: 06 October 2025
• Location: Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam
• Presiding Officer: Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar
• Ship Name: Androth
• Significance: Second of sixteen ASW-SWC ships
• Builder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd.
• Indigenous Development: Over 80% components made in India
• Previous Service: INS Androth (P69) served for over 27 years
• Capabilities: Anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and coastal defense
• Technology: Advanced weapon systems and underwater detection capabilities
• Legacy: Honors the spirit of its predecessor
• Strategic Name: Derived from Androth Island, Lakshadweep
• Maritime Security: Strengthens India's maritime security architecture

India's Maritime Security Enhancement

The commissioning of Androth is a significant step in bolstering India's maritime security, aligning with the nation's strategic goals of self-reliance and regional dominance. The vessel's advanced capabilities are expected to enhance India's coastal defense and anti-submarine warfare proficiency. This move is part of a larger plan to modernize the Indian Navy, which is crucial for maintaining regional stability and protecting economic interests.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

• Make in India: Promotes indigenous manufacturing, with over 80% of Androth's components made in India.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Encourages self-reliance in defense production, exemplified by the ASW-SWC series.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 3: Security challenges and management in border areas, technology and its applications in defense.
• Prelims: Questions could focus on the specifics of the ASW-SWC series, such as the number of ships, capabilities, and indigenous components.
• Mains: Analytical themes could include India's maritime strategy, defense modernization, and self-reliance in defense production.
• Essay Paper: Topics on India's defense capabilities and strategic autonomy.

FAQ Section

• What is Androth? Androth is the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) set to be commissioned by the Indian Navy, enhancing its coastal defense capabilities.
• Why is Androth important? Androth is crucial for strengthening India's maritime security, featuring advanced weapon systems and over 80% indigenous components, aligning with the Make in India initiative.
• What are the key features of Androth? Key features include anti-submarine warfare capabilities, maritime surveillance, and coastal defense, with advanced technology for underwater detection.