On October 6, 2025, two significant milestones in anti-submarine warfare were marked in different corners of the globe, underscoring a rapidly evolving maritime security landscape. While France-based Thales announced the sale of its 100th Combined Active-Passive Towed Array Sonar (CAPTAS) system to an undisclosed customer, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Androth, its second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, during a ceremonial event at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Both developments highlight the growing importance of advanced sonar technology and indigenous shipbuilding in modern naval operations.
According to Thales, the CAPTAS family represents a cutting-edge solution for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), offering 360-degree active and passive long-range detection. The system is capable of acoustic detection over distances exceeding 60 kilometers (37 miles), giving navies the crucial ability to identify submarines before they approach restricted or strategic waters. This early warning capability is a game-changer, allowing naval forces to detect and respond to potential threats well in advance, whether operating in deep ocean expanses or more confined coastal environments.
The CAPTAS system’s versatility is a major selling point. It can be installed on a wide variety of naval platforms, ranging from vessels under 1,000 tons to large warships such as corvettes, frigates, destroyers, support ships, and even unmanned surface vehicles. Thales has also developed a containerized mission module for CAPTAS, enabling rapid installation and deployment—an innovation that allows navies to quickly adapt to changing operational requirements without the need for extensive shipyard modifications.
Thales’ CAPTAS is no stranger to international waters. It is currently in service with 17 navies worldwide, including those of France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Several NATO countries rely on CAPTAS to coordinate multiple sensors and achieve more effective underwater surveillance, a testament to its interoperability and reliability. The system integrates seamlessly with other Thales solutions such as Hull-Mounted Sonars, FLASH dipping sonar, and SonoFlash sonobuoys, supporting coordinated operations across multinational naval forces.
But it’s not just about hardware. CAPTAS features a modular and cyber-secure design, allowing it to incorporate new technologies and adapt to evolving mission requirements. Thales has integrated artificial intelligence tools and advanced data analysis into the system, enhancing its interface and decision-support functions. These automated and intuitive features help reduce crew workload and simplify operations throughout the system’s service life. As Thales stated, the integration of AI and advanced analytics “allows crews to manage complex situations more effectively,” making the system both powerful and user-friendly.
Meanwhile, on the eastern coast of India, the Indian Navy’s commissioning of INS Androth signals another leap forward in the nation’s maritime self-reliance and ASW capabilities. The ceremony, presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, was attended by senior naval officers and representatives from the shipyard, according to PTI. The event marked the formal induction of a vessel designed and constructed in close collaboration with Indian industries and technology firms, with over 80 percent of its components sourced domestically. This approach not only reduces dependence on foreign suppliers in critical maritime technologies but also strengthens India’s defense industrial base.
INS Androth is specifically built to enhance the Indian Navy’s ability to detect and counter underwater threats in shallow and coastal waters. These waters are often challenging for traditional ASW platforms, making specialized ships like Androth vital for protecting India’s shores and securing critical maritime trade routes. The vessel is equipped with advanced sonar systems and modern weapon suites, and it boasts improved endurance for extended deployments. As reported by PTI, “the induction of INS Androth will significantly enhance the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy, especially in shallow and coastal waters.”
The technical specifications of INS Androth further illustrate its advanced design. The ship uses a water-jet propulsion system driven by three marine diesel engines, allowing it to reach a top speed of 25 knots. At approximately 77 meters in length and with a displacement of around 900 tonnes, Androth is both agile and robust. It carries a crew of 57 personnel, including 7 officers, providing the manpower needed for complex ASW operations. The vessel was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, a shipyard known for its role in advancing India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
INS Androth is not intended to operate in isolation. Its design complements larger surface combatants and submarines, extending the Navy’s surveillance and strike reach in coastal areas. By integrating advanced sonar technology, the ship can detect, classify, and track potential underwater threats, contributing to a layered defense strategy that protects both military and commercial maritime interests. The vessel’s modern weapon systems and enhanced endurance mean it can remain on station for extended periods, providing continuous coverage where it’s needed most.
The commissioning of INS Androth is also emblematic of India’s broader push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. By collaborating with domestic industries and technology firms, the Indian Navy ensures that key systems and components are developed locally. This not only supports the national economy but also reduces vulnerabilities associated with reliance on foreign suppliers—a critical consideration in times of geopolitical uncertainty.
Both the CAPTAS system and INS Androth embody the trend toward modularity, adaptability, and technological integration in modern naval warfare. Thales’ emphasis on AI-driven data analysis and cyber-secure design reflects the growing role of software and automation in maritime defense. Likewise, the Indian Navy’s focus on indigenous production and advanced sonar capabilities highlights the importance of national self-sufficiency and technological innovation in maintaining maritime security.
As maritime threats become increasingly sophisticated, navies around the world are investing in platforms and systems that offer both flexibility and cutting-edge performance. The sale of the 100th CAPTAS system and the commissioning of INS Androth are clear indicators that anti-submarine warfare remains a top priority for naval planners. These developments not only enhance the immediate capabilities of the forces involved but also set benchmarks for future innovation in the field.
With the world’s oceans growing more contested and the undersea domain becoming ever more crucial to national security, the race to deploy advanced sonar systems and specialized ASW vessels is only set to intensify. Today’s announcements from Thales and the Indian Navy offer a glimpse into the future of maritime defense—one where technology, adaptability, and homegrown expertise will shape the balance of power beneath the waves.
