Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned 'Androth', the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, during a ceremonial event at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. According to the Navy, the induction of Androth will significantly bolster its overall Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities, especially for operations in coastal and shallow waters.

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), with senior naval officers and representatives from the shipyard in attendance.

An official press release from the ENC stated that “The commissioning of Androth marks another major step in the Navy’s ongoing efforts toward indigenisation and capability enhancement.” The vessel was indigenously built by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), reflecting India’s growing maritime self-reliance with over 80 per cent of its components sourced locally.

This addition comes amidst India’s broader naval modernisation drive, which includes the commissioning of several state-of-the-art warships such as INS Arnala, INS Nistar, INS Udaygiri, and INS Nilgiri. The Androth exemplifies the Navy’s commitment to strengthening its operational capabilities in shallow littoral zones while promoting homegrown innovation and the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

With inputs from PTI