Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd achieved another milestone on Saturday, September 13, 2025, with the delivery of Androth, the second in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs) being built for the Indian Navy.
The delivery comes just four months after GRSE handed over the first vessel of the class, Arnala, on May 8, 2025. Arnala was commissioned into the Indian Navy on June 18, 2025. Androth was formally accepted on behalf of the Navy by Rear Admiral Ravnish Seth, CSO (Tech), Eastern Naval Command.
Named after the Androth Island in Lakshadweep, the warship is the second of its class to be equipped with the indigenous 30 mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG), manufactured by GRSE.
The Indian Navy has ordered a total of 16 ASW SWCs, with eight each being constructed by GRSE and another Indian shipyard. With Androth, GRSE has now delivered two vessels from its share of the order, underscoring the shipyard’s reputation for timely delivery, commitment to indigenisation, and contribution to India’s maritime security.
With nearly 88% indigenous content, the ASW SWCs embody the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India vision. Designed for sub-surface surveillance of coastal waters, these vessels are capable of executing search-and-attack missions and conducting coordinated anti-submarine operations with aircraft. They are equipped with Combat Management Systems, lightweight torpedoes, and ASW rockets, and will be manned by 57 personnel, including seven officers.
Powered by marine diesel engines driving three water jets, Androth is highly agile and requires just 2.7 metres of draught, enabling operations close to the coast to counter underwater threats.
GRSE is presently constructing 13 more warships, including two P17A stealth frigates, six ASW SWCs, one large survey vessel, and four next-generation offshore patrol vessels. The shipyard is also working on 26 other vessels, nine of which are being built for export. Additionally, GRSE expects to secure a prestigious order for five new-generation corvettes within this financial year.
