INS Anjadip Commissioned as Third Coastal Submarine Hunter

Navy Adds Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Warship at Chennai Port
INS Anjadip Strengthens India’s Littoral Defence

Chennai: The Indian Navy today commissioned INS Anjadip, a new-generation shallow water anti-submarine warfare warship, marking a significant addition to India’s coastal defence capabilities and underscoring the country’s expanding self-reliance in defence shipbuilding. The commissioning ceremony was held at Chennai Port and presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.

The event was hosted by Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. Senior naval officers, former Commanding Officers of the earlier naval ship named Anjadip, and representatives from the shipbuilding partners Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers and Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding attended the ceremony along with other distinguished civilian dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, Admiral Tripathi highlighted the strategic importance of the induction of INS Anjadip and described it as a vital reinforcement of the Navy’s ability to safeguard India’s shallow seas and coastal approaches. He commended the sustained commitment of the shipbuilders and acknowledged the dedication of the ship’s crew in achieving the timely commissioning of the vessel.

Named after the historically significant island off the coast of Karwar, INS Anjadip has been designed specifically for anti-submarine warfare operations in the shallow waters of the littoral zone. It is the third vessel of the eight-ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft project and follows its predecessors, INS Arnala and INS Androth, which were inducted earlier as part of the same programme. Together, these ships form the core of a new class of compact and agile warships built to counter the growing challenge of hostile submarines operating close to shore.

With an indigenous content of over 80 per cent, INS Anjadip showcases India’s increasing capability in warship design and defence electronics. The ship integrates a wide range of key systems developed domestically, reflecting the Navy’s emphasis on self-reliance and the broader national goal of strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing.

Often described as a “Dolphin Hunter”, INS Anjadip is a 77-metre-long vessel with a displacement of around 1,400 tonnes and is configured for rapid response and sustained operations in coastal environments. It is equipped with a modern anti-submarine warfare suite and an advanced Combat Management System that enables the detection, tracking and neutralisation of underwater threats with high precision. Its weapons and sensor package includes the indigenous Hull Mounted Sonar Abhay, along with Lightweight Torpedoes and anti-submarine warfare rockets.

Propelled by a high-speed water-jet propulsion system, the ship can achieve a top speed of 25 knots, making it highly manoeuvrable and capable of swift deployment in evolving maritime situations. In addition to its primary role as a submarine hunter, INS Anjadip is also designed to undertake coastal surveillance, low-intensity maritime operations and search and rescue missions, giving it a versatile operational profile in both peace and conflict.

The commissioning of INS Anjadip represents a major milestone in the Indian Navy’s planned trajectory of force expansion and capability enhancement. Naval officials said the induction of the vessel will significantly strengthen the security of India’s maritime trade routes and protect 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, thereby boosting maritime vigilance along the southeastern seaboard.

Senior officers noted that the arrival of INS Anjadip further advances the Navy’s transformation into what has been described as a “Builder’s Navy” — one that not only operates modern warships but increasingly designs and constructs them within the country. Named after an island of historical importance and equipped with cutting-edge indigenous systems, the new warship is expected to play a key role in safeguarding India’s coastal approaches and reinforcing stability in the surrounding maritime domain.

– global bihari bureau