GRSE adds greater punch to Navy’s shallow water anti-submarine capability

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd added yet another feather in its cap by delivering Androth, second in a series of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts (ASW SWCs) being built by the shipyard for the Navy, on Saturday.

This delivery comes just four months after the first warship of this series – Arnala – was delivered on 8 May and this was commissioned into the Navy on 18 June.

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Androth was accepted on behalf of the Indian Navy by Rear Admiral Ravnish Seth, CSO (Tech), ENC.

Named after the Androth Island in the Lakshadweep Archipelago, this warship is also the second warship of this class on which an indigenous 30 mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG), manufactured by GRSE, has been fitted.

The Indian Navy had placed an order for 16 advanced anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts (ASWSWCs), eight each to be built by GRSE and another Indian shipyard. GRSE has already delivered two out of these eight vessels. This milestone highlights GRSE’s consistent record of reliability, focus on indigenisation, and unwavering commitment to strengthening India’s maritime security.

ASW SWCs have nearly 88 per cent indigenous content, displaying GRSE’s commitment towards central government’s Atmanirbharta and ‘Make in India’ vision.

The ships are capable of full-scale sub-surface surveillance of coastal waters as well as search and attack. They can also carry out coordinated anti-submarine operations with aircraft. These ships have combat management systems on board and will be armed with lightweight torpedoes as well as anti-submarine warfare rockets. These ships will have a complement of 57 personnel, including seven officers.

GRSE is currently building 13 more warships, including two P17A advanced stealth frigates, six ASW SWCs, a Survey Vessel (Large) and four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels. Apart from this, the shipyard is building 26 other vessels, nine of which are export platforms. GRSE is also expecting conclusion of a prestigious contract to build 05 New Generation Corvettes in this financial year.