WATCH | India’s second anti-submarine warfare craft ‘Androth’ launched
The ship has been named Androth to signify the strategic maritime importance accorded to the island of Androth, located about 170 Nm north-west of Kochi, in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
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The INS Androth, second in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), was launched in Kolkata. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, INS Androth is about 77.6 metres long and 10.5 metres wide, and requires a draught of only 2.7 metres.
Propelled by three diesel-driven water jets, these ships can attain a maximum speed of 25 knots. Their primary role is to conduct anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, low intensity maritime operations and mine laying operations.
In keeping with the Naval traditions, Smt Shashi Tripathi launched the ship to the chanting of invocation from Atharva Veda. Mr Arun Lal, former Indian cricketer and head coach of Bengal cricket team, was the Guest of Honour for the ceremony. The ship has been named Androth to signify the strategic maritime importance accorded to the island of Androth, located about 170 Nm north-west of Kochi, in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
‘Androth’, 2nd ship of ASW Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) launched by Smt Shashi Tripathi, President, NWWA (Western Region).
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 21, 2023
VAdm Dinesh K Tripathi #FOCinC West was the Chief Guest & Mr Arun Lal, former Indian cricketer & head coach of Bengal cricket team, the Guest of Honour. pic.twitter.com/hyKavXb52B
The Ministry of Defence said in a statement, "Contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between MoD and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata on April 29, 2019. Arnala class of ships will replace the in-service Abhay class ASW Corvettes of Indian Navy and are designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and Mine Laying operations including subsurface surveillance in littoral waters. The ASW SWC ships are 77.6 m long, have a displacement of 900 tons with a maximum speed of 25 knots."
"Launch of two ships of the same class in a span of three months reinforces our resolve towards indigenous shipbuilding as part of Prime Minister’s vision of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’. The first ship of the project is planned to be delivered to Indian Navy by Dec 23," the Ministry said.
The ASW SWC ships will have over 80% indigenous content, thereby ensuring that large scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units, generating employment and capability enhancement within the country.