### Indian Navy Strengthens Coastal Defence with Commissioning of INS Androth The Indian Navy has taken a significant step in enhancing its maritime capabilities by commissioning the INS Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), on October 6, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. This vessel is a part of India's ongoing efforts to bolster its coastal defence and maritime security, particularly in the context of increasing regional threats. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, highlighting the importance of this event for the Indian Navy and the nation as a whole [https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/10/indian-navy-commissions-2nd-asw-shallow-water-craft-ins-androth]. ### Overview of the Commissioning Event and Vessel Features 1. **Ceremonial Details**: - The commissioning took place on October 6, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, attended by senior naval officers and representatives from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) [https://idrw.org/navy-commissions-anti-submarine-ship-ins-androth]. 2. **Vessel Specifications**: - INS Androth is an indigenous vessel with over 80% local content, marking a significant milestone in India's Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) shipbuilding initiative [https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2025/Oct/07/new-submarine-hunter-ins-androth-sets-sail]. - The vessel is equipped with advanced sonar systems and torpedoes, enhancing its anti-submarine warfare capabilities [https://www.republicworld.com/videos/defence/ins-androth-submarine-hunt-video]. 3. **Strategic Importance**: - The commissioning of INS Androth is expected to significantly bolster the Indian Navy's capabilities in countering threats in littoral waters, thereby strengthening coastal defence [https://www.business-standard.com/blueprint-defence-magazine/reports/india-s-new-anti-submarine-vessel-to-strengthen-coastal-defence-125100801034_1.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Indigenous Development**: - INS Androth is a product of India's commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing, with 80% of its components sourced locally [https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/national/news/indian-navy-commission-ins-androth-visakhapatnam-today-80-components-made-in-india-136101536.html]. - **Operational Capabilities**: - The vessel is designed for shallow-water operations, which are critical for India's coastal security, especially given the strategic maritime challenges in the region [https://telanganatoday.com/navy-enhances-coastal-defence-with-commissioning-of-asw-vessel-androth]. ### Conclusion: A Milestone in Maritime Security The commissioning of INS Androth represents a pivotal moment for the Indian Navy and its strategic maritime capabilities. 1. **Strengthened Coastal Defence**: The vessel enhances the Navy's ability to conduct anti-submarine operations in shallow waters, crucial for national security. 2. **Indigenous Manufacturing**: With a significant portion of its components produced locally, INS Androth exemplifies India's push towards self-reliance in defence. 3. **Future Implications**: The addition of this vessel to the fleet is expected to improve operational readiness and response capabilities against potential maritime threats. In summary, the INS Androth not only enhances the Indian Navy's operational capabilities but also signifies a broader commitment to indigenous defence production and maritime security [https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-commissions-its-second-asw-class-ship-ins-androth/article70131374.ece].