Indian Navy to Commission Anti-Submarine Warship Anjadip in Chennai
The Indian Navy is poised to significantly bolster its coastal defense capabilities with the induction of the shallow water craft vessel, Anjadip. This strategic move aims to enhance the Navy's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) prowess, marking a critical step in securing India's maritime borders. The warship will be formally commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command at Chennai Port on February 27, in a ceremony presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.
Advanced Capabilities and Design
Anjadip is engineered to function as a 'Dolphin Hunter', specifically designed for the detection, tracking, and neutralisation of enemy submarines in shallow coastal waters. Spanning approximately 77 metres in length, these ships are the largest Indian naval warships propelled by waterjets, a feature that underscores their modern engineering. They are equipped with state-of-the-art lightweight torpedoes, indigenously designed anti-submarine rockets, and shallow water sonar systems, enabling highly effective engagement of underwater threats.
The vessel boasts a high-speed waterjet propulsion system, allowing it to achieve a top speed of 25 knots. This capability ensures rapid response times and sustained operational efficiency in critical maritime scenarios. Beyond its primary ASW role, the agile and highly manoeuvrable warship is also configured to undertake coastal surveillance, Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and Search and Rescue missions, making it a versatile asset for the Navy.
Project Details and Construction
Anjadip is the third vessel in the eight-ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project, a key initiative to modernize India's naval fleet. The ships have been designed and constructed in accordance with the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) under a public-private partnership (PPP) between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli. As per the contract, four ships are being built by GRSE in Kolkata, while the remaining four have been subcontracted to Larsen and Toubro Shipbuilding in Kattupalli.
This vessel represents a reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Anjadip, a Petya-class corvette that was decommissioned in 2003, symbolizing the Navy's commitment to preserving its legacy while advancing technological capabilities.
Strategic Importance
According to naval officials, the induction of Anjadip will significantly strengthen the Navy's capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, coastal surveillance, and mine-laying operations. This enhancement is crucial for maintaining maritime security in the region, particularly in light of evolving underwater threats. The commissioning ceremony in Chennai underscores the Eastern Naval Command's role in safeguarding India's eastern seaboard, with the new warship set to play a pivotal role in future naval strategies.
The ASW-SWC project reflects India's growing emphasis on indigenous defense manufacturing and public-private collaborations, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign imports and boost self-reliance in defense technology. With its advanced features and multi-role functionality, Anjadip is expected to contribute substantially to the Navy's operational readiness and coastal defense mechanisms.
