Indian Navy to Commission INS Androth, Second Arnala-Class Corvette, on October 6

The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Androth, the second ship of the Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) series, on October 6, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. This milestone marks another significant step in enhancing India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and coastal defense readiness.

Project Background and Development

The Arnala-class project was launched under the Indian Navy’s plan to replace the aging Abhay-class corvettes and to boost its shallow-water anti-submarine warfare strength. The program was initiated under the ‘Buy and Make (India)’ category to promote domestic defense manufacturing.

The Ministry of Defence had placed an order for 16 ASW-SWCs, which are being built by two major Indian shipyards — Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its Kattupalli facility near Chennai. GRSE is responsible for eight ships, while the remaining eight are being built by L&T. INS Androth is the second ship from the GRSE batch.

Construction and Delivery

INS Androth was built by GRSE, one of India’s premier defense shipyards. The ship was launched in March 2023 and underwent extensive sea trials in 2025 to evaluate propulsion, weapon, and electronic systems. Following successful trials, the vessel was delivered to the Indian Navy on September 13, 2025, ahead of its formal commissioning.

This achievement reflects the efficiency of GRSE’s production process and India’s increasing capability to design and build complex warships domestically under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

Key Specifications

• Displacement: Approximately 900 tonnes

• Length: 77.6 meters

• Beam: 10.5 meters

• Speed: Up to 25 knots

• Endurance: Around 1,800 nautical miles at 14 knots

• Crew: About 7 officers and 50 sailors

• Propulsion: Three diesel engines driving water-jets, providing high maneuverability in shallow waters

The ship’s design is optimized for operations close to the coastline and in littoral zones, where agility and quick response are critical for anti-submarine warfare missions.

Weapons and Sensors

INS Androth is equipped with a range of advanced sensors and weapon systems designed for detecting and neutralizing submarine threats in coastal areas.

• Sonar Systems: Equipped with the indigenous Abhay hull-mounted sonar developed by DRDO’s Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), supported by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

• Towed Array Sonar: A low-frequency variable-depth sonar enhances detection capabilities in challenging underwater environments.

• Main Armament:

  • RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher

  • 324mm lightweight torpedo launchers for engaging underwater targets

• Defensive Systems: Includes decoy launchers, chaff dispensers, and mine-laying rails for coastal defense operations.

The combination of indigenous sonar and weapon systems ensures that the ship can independently track and engage underwater targets within the Indian littoral zone.

Indigenous Content and Industry Participation

The Arnala-class corvettes feature over 80% indigenous content, showcasing India’s progress in defense self-reliance. Companies such as BEL, Mahindra Defence, and L&T supplied key systems, including sonar, decoy launchers, and control equipment.

The program has also strengthened local supply chains and created numerous jobs in the Indian shipbuilding ecosystem, reaffirming the success of the Make in India initiative in the defense sector.

Operational Role and Strategic Importance

The Arnala-class ships are designed for anti-submarine operations in shallow coastal waters, complementing larger ASW frigates and destroyers operating in deep seas. They will also perform secondary roles, including mine laying, coastal patrol, and surveillance.

By commissioning INS Androth, the Indian Navy strengthens its ability to detect and deter submarine incursions close to the Indian coastline, a capability increasingly vital given the growing presence of foreign submarines in the Indian Ocean Region.