Indian Navy Strengthens Power with Indigenous Warship 'Anjdeep'
The Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities have been enhanced with the induction of the indigenous warship 'Anjdeep' on Monday in Chennai. The warship has been designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), based in Kolkata. This is the third of eight anti-submarine warships being built by the company.
Advanced Features of Anjdeep Warship
According to the Ministry of Defence, this warship is 77 meters long and is the largest warship in the Indian Navy to be powered by waterjets. It features state-of-the-art lightweight torpedoes, indigenous anti-submarine rockets, and a sonar system capable of working in shallow waters. These advanced systems will help detect and destroy threats from enemy submarines deep within the ocean.
Strengthening the Navy’s Submarine Warfare and Coastal Surveillance
The 'Anjdeep' warship will strengthen the Navy's anti-submarine operations, coastal surveillance, and mine-laying capabilities. It is also a modern version of the older 'Anjdeep' warship, which was retired in 2003. The new ship will further enhance India’s maritime defence capabilities.
Significance of 'Anjdeep' Warship
The name 'Anjdeep' is derived from Anjdeep Island, located near the Karwar coast in Karnataka. The warship is built with more than 80% indigenous content, marking a significant step towards achieving 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India). The induction of this warship is a crucial move to bolster India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on imports.
India’s Strategic Naval Response to Regional Developments
The induction of the 'Anjdeep' is especially important as Pakistan has recently signed a $5 billion deal with China to acquire eight advanced diesel-electric submarines, with the first expected to be delivered in 2026. The 'Anjdeep' warship's entry into the Indian Navy is a strategic response to such developments in the region.
Collaboration in Shipbuilding
The warship was built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model between GRSE and L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, demonstrating the growing strength of India’s domestic shipbuilding industry.