Indian Navy Commissions Third ASW Vessel Anjadip, Boosting Coastal Defense
The Indian Navy is poised to significantly strengthen its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities with the formal commissioning of Anjadip, the third vessel in the ambitious eight-ship anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC) project. This strategic move underscores India's rapid advancement towards self-reliance in defense under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Commissioning Ceremony and Leadership
The warship will be officially commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) at Chennai Port on February 27. The ceremony will be presided over by Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, highlighting the high-level importance of this event. This commissioning marks a critical milestone in India's indigenous warship design and construction efforts, showcasing the nation's growing prowess in naval technology.
Design and Capabilities of Anjadip
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, Anjadip is a state-of-the-art vessel engineered specifically for littoral combat in coastal and shallow waters. Dubbed a "Dolphin Hunter", the ship is equipped with advanced indigenous ASW weapons and sensors, including:
- Hull Mounted Sonar Abhay
- Lightweight torpedoes
- ASW rockets
Beyond its primary anti-submarine role, this agile vessel can undertake a variety of missions, such as coastal surveillance, low-intensity maritime operations, and search-and-rescue tasks. Measuring 77 meters in length, Anjadip features a high-speed water-jet propulsion system, enabling a top speed of 25 knots for rapid response in critical situations.
Strategic Significance and Naming
Named after the historically significant island off Karwar, Anjadip enhances the Navy's capacity to safeguard India's maritime interests and coastal approaches, including regions like Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. This commissioning represents another step forward in building a formidable "Builder's Navy", emphasizing indigenous production and technological innovation. The ASW-SWC project is set to provide the Indian Navy with enhanced capabilities to counter underwater threats in shallow waters, ensuring robust coastal defense and maritime security.
