INS Anjadip Commissioned into Indian Navy Fleet

INS Anjadip, the fourth vessel under the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Chennai Port on 27 February 2026. The ceremony was presided over by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and hosted by Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. Senior naval officers, shipbuilders and civilian dignitaries attended the event.

Named after the historic Anjadip Island off Karwar, the vessel strengthens India’s coastal defence and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Indigenous Design and Strategic Importance

INS Anjadip reflects India’s push towards self-reliance in defence production, with over 80 per cent indigenous content. The ship has been built under the ASW-SWC programme involving Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding, Kattupalli.

The induction marks a significant milestone in the Navy’s capability expansion and aligns with the broader objective of strengthening maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.

Advanced Anti-Submarine Capabilities

The 77-metre-long vessel, displacing around 1,400 tonnes, is specifically configured for anti-submarine operations in shallow and coastal waters. Known as a ‘Dolphin Hunter’, it is equipped with a modern ASW suite and an advanced Combat Management System.

These systems enable effective detection, tracking and neutralisation of underwater threats. The ship is designed for rapid response and sustained operations in littoral environments, enhancing surveillance along India’s coastline.

Role in Maritime Security Architecture

INS Anjadip follows the commissioning of INS Arnala and INS Androth under the same project. Its induction strengthens the Navy’s layered defence strategy, ensuring protection of sea lines of communication, maritime trade routes and critical coastal infrastructure.

The ship has been placed under the operational and administrative control of the Flag Officer Commanding, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area.

Important Facts for Exams

• ASW-SWC stands for Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft.
• Littoral zone refers to coastal and near-shore maritime areas.
• GRSE and Larsen & Toubro are key Indian defence shipbuilders.
• Combat Management Systems integrate sensors and weapons for naval operations.

Boost to Coastal Defence Preparedness

The commissioning of INS Anjadip enhances India’s preparedness against submarine threats in shallow waters. As maritime challenges evolve, such specialised vessels play a critical role in safeguarding coastal assets and maintaining maritime domain awareness.

The addition reinforces the Indian Navy’s ongoing modernisation drive and commitment to securing national maritime interests through indigenously developed platforms.