The Indian Navy achieved a milestone in its pursuit of indigenous shipbuilding on May 3, 2024, with the keel laying ceremony for the first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Goa.
The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral B Siva Kumar, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, in the presence of Shri B K Upadhyay, Chairman & Managing Director of GSL, and other senior officials from the Indian Navy and GSL.
The Indian Ministry of Defence concluded contracts for the indigenous design and construction of 11 NGOPVs on March 30, 2023. Seven of these vessels will be built by the lead shipyard, GSL, while the remaining four will be constructed by the following shipyard, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
These next-generation patrol vessels will play a crucial role in enhancing the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities, enabling it to perform missions such as anti-piracy operations, coastal defence and surveillance, search and rescue, and the protection of offshore assets. The NGOPVs will help safeguard the nation’s economic and geopolitical interests in the Indian Ocean Region.
The commencement of construction for these vessels is a testament to India’s commitment to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) and ‘Make in India’ initiatives, aimed at promoting indigenous manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports.
Vice Admiral Siva Kumar lauded the efforts of the Indian shipbuilding industry and highlighted the significance of these patrol vessels in bolstering the country’s maritime security capabilities. He emphasized the need for timely delivery of the ships to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Navy.
The NGOPV project is expected to provide a boost to the domestic shipbuilding industry, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the overall economic growth of the nation.