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23 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Polity & GovernanceScience & TechnologyEconomyNEWS

Indian Navy Inducts Anjadip, Fourth Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft

Indian Navy inducts Anjadip, the fourth indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft.

Indian Navy Inducts Anjadip, Fourth Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft

Photo by Peter Muscutt

The Indian Navy has commissioned 'Anjadip', the fourth in a series of eight indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC). Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, this vessel marks a significant stride in India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative in defense manufacturing.

The ASW SWCs are designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine-laying missions. Their induction enhances the Navy's capabilities in protecting India's vast coastline and island territories, reinforcing maritime security.

Key Facts

1.

Indian Navy commissioned 'Anjadip'

2.

Fourth of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC)

3.

Indigenously built by GRSE, Kolkata

4.

Designed for anti-submarine operations, low-intensity maritime operations, mine-laying

5.

Part of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Defense indigenization and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative

2.

Indian Navy's capabilities and modernization

3.

Role of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in defense manufacturing

4.

Maritime security challenges and coastal defense architecture

5.

Types of naval vessels and their operational roles

Visual Insights

Anjadip's Strategic Significance: Indigenous Production & Coastal Defense

This map highlights the production location of the ASW SWC 'Anjadip' and its operational context, emphasizing India's commitment to indigenous defense manufacturing and enhanced maritime security along its vast coastline and island territories.

Loading interactive map...

📍Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata📍Anjadip Island, Karnataka📍Mumbai📍Visakhapatnam📍Andaman & Nicobar Islands📍Lakshadweep Islands
More Information

Background

India has a long coastline and numerous island territories, making maritime security a critical component of its national defense strategy. Historically, India has relied on foreign imports for a significant portion of its defense equipment, including naval vessels. The push for indigenization gained momentum with initiatives like 'Make in India' and later 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in defense, aiming to reduce import dependence and foster domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Latest Developments

The commissioning of 'Anjadip', the fourth Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, signifies a concrete step towards achieving self-reliance in naval shipbuilding. These specialized vessels are crucial for coastal defense, anti-submarine operations in shallow waters, and mine-laying, directly enhancing the Indian Navy's operational capabilities and reinforcing maritime security around India's vast maritime zones.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. With reference to the recent induction of 'Anjadip' into the Indian Navy, consider the following statements: 1. 'Anjadip' is the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) to be indigenously built in India. 2. These ASW SWCs are primarily designed for deep-sea anti-submarine operations and long-range patrols. 3. The construction of such vessels aligns with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative in defense manufacturing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.3 only
  • C.1 and 2 only
  • D.2 and 3 only
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect. 'Anjadip' is the fourth in a series of eight indigenously built ASW SWCs, not the first. Statement 2 is incorrect. The ASW SWCs are designed for anti-submarine operations in *coastal waters* and low-intensity maritime operations, not primarily deep-sea or long-range patrols. Statement 3 is correct. The indigenous construction by GRSE is a significant stride in India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative in defense manufacturing.

2. In the context of India's defense shipbuilding capabilities, consider the following statements: 1. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) is a Public Sector Undertaking primarily known for building frigates and corvettes. 2. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is the sole shipyard in India capable of constructing submarines. 3. The 'Strategic Partnership' model in defense aims to encourage private sector participation in manufacturing complex defense platforms. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct. GRSE, located in Kolkata, is indeed a major PSU shipyard known for building various naval vessels including frigates and corvettes. Statement 2 is incorrect. While MDL is a major submarine builder, other shipyards like Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) are also involved in submarine construction and refitting, and private players are also being encouraged. Statement 3 is correct. The 'Strategic Partnership' model, introduced under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), is designed to boost private sector involvement in the production of high-tech defense equipment.

3. Which of the following is NOT a primary component of India's multi-layered coastal security architecture?

  • A.Indian Navy
  • B.Indian Coast Guard
  • C.Marine Police
  • D.Border Security Force (BSF)
Show Answer

Answer: D

The Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Marine Police are the primary components of India's multi-layered coastal security architecture, responsible for surveillance, interdiction, and law enforcement in maritime zones. The Border Security Force (BSF) is primarily a land border guarding force, although it has a small water wing for riverine borders, it is not a primary component of *coastal* security in the same comprehensive manner as the other three.

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