‘Anjdeep’ joins the Indian Navy, anti-submarine strength set to grow with 15 more ships

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A new indigenously built anti-submarine warfare vessel, INS Anjdeep, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on Friday. Navy Chief Dinesh K. Tripathi described the induction as a proud milestone, highlighting the ship’s role in strengthening coastal defence. The warship is designed to detect, track and neutralize enemy submarines in shallow waters and is equipped with advanced indigenous anti-submarine weapons and sensors, including the hull-mounted sonar system Abhay.

The vessel is also fitted with lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets and was formally inducted in Chennai. The Navy Chief said that around 15 more ships are expected to be commissioned in 2026, marking the highest induction rate so far. The Navy aims to expand its fleet to more than 200 ships by 2035, with about 50 vessels currently under construction in Indian shipyards. The long-term goal is to achieve complete self-reliance in naval capability by 2047.

Apart from anti-submarine operations, INS Anjdeep is a stealth vessel capable of coastal surveillance, low-intensity maritime missions and search-and-rescue operations. The 77-metre-long warship is powered by a high-speed water-jet propulsion system and can reach speeds of up to 25 knots. The ship continues the legacy of its predecessor from the Petya class, which served the nation from 1972 to 2003.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Navy Chief recalled India’s long maritime heritage and stressed the importance of secure sea routes for trade and energy supply. He noted that thousands of ships pass through the Indian Ocean annually, carrying a significant share of global oil and cargo. Recent disruptions in key sea routes have shown how vulnerable global trade can be, underlining the strategic importance of strong naval capabilities. He added that naval deployments since October 2023 have helped ensure the safe passage of hundreds of merchant vessels carrying millions of tonnes of cargo to India.