The keel laying ceremony for the first and second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs), designated as Yard 3037 and 3038, was held on November 5, 2024, at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in Kolkata. The event was presided over by the Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, Dr. CV Ananda Bose, and attended by senior officials from the Indian Navy and representatives from GRSE.
The NGOPV project signifies a major leap in India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. Contracts for the design and construction of a total of eleven NGOPVs were finalized in March 2023, with seven vessels to be constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and four by GRSE52. These patrol vessels are projected to have a tonnage of approximately 3,000 tons and will be utilized for missions including:
This initiative aligns with the Indian government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” missions, aimed at boosting self-reliance in defense-related industries. The NGOPVs are designed to enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and will have the ability to conduct a variety of missions essential for national security. The design includes advanced features to support a range of operations reflective of current and future maritime challenges3.
The ceremony marks a significant milestone in the naval indigenization process, further contributing to India’s maritime security and tactical readiness. The delivery of the first ships is slated to begin in September 2026, reflecting both a strategic and timely enhancement to the Indian Navy’s fleet and capabilities.
In summary, the keel laying of the NGOPVs represents both a commitment to indigenous manufacturing and an essential step toward maintaining regional maritime security for India.
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