India is preparing to market its domestically designed Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV) to friendly allied nations, offering the 1,450-ton warships as a highly capable yet budget-friendly maritime solution.
Engineered to deliver firepower that far exceeds its compact displacement, the NGMV provides smaller navies with a disproportionate tactical advantage, serving as a highly lethal platform for both offensive strikes and maritime security.
The core of the NGMV's devastating offensive power relies on eight BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
Housed in twin slant launchers, these missiles allow the vessel to execute high-precision, long-range strikes against enemy ships and land-based infrastructure.
To ensure robust air defence, the warship is equipped with 24 Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (VL-SRSAM) designed to intercept hostile aircraft, helicopters, and incoming anti-ship missiles.
Publicly available specifications reveal that the vessel's defensive umbrella is further reinforced by a 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount, two AK-630M Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) capable of firing thousands of rounds per minute to neutralise drones, and a Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS).
Survivability is a major focus of the NGMV's design, which incorporates a low-observable hull to significantly diminish its radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures.
This advanced stealth profile is vital for avoiding detection while operating in contested littoral zones and strategic choke points.
Open-source data indicates that the vessel's impressive agility is powered by a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion setup.
Utilising a General Electric LM2500 marine gas turbine alongside twin diesel engines, the warship can reach top speeds of 35 knots and maintain an operational cruising range of 2,800 nautical miles.
The NGMV programme is currently one of the most critical modernisation efforts for the Indian Navy's surface fleet.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is building a batch of six vessels under a ₹9,804 crore contract signed in March 2023.
The manufacturing phase officially commenced with a steel-cutting ceremony on 16 December 2024, and the first vessel is slated for delivery in March 2027, with the rest following in a staggered timeline.
Designed for rapid deployment in dynamic combat environments, each NGMV will support a crew of approximately 80 to 90 personnel and boasts an endurance of over 10 days at sea without resupply.
While their primary mission is offensive sea denial and anti-surface warfare, they will also serve a crucial role in local naval defence and the protection of offshore economic assets.
Rounding out the warship's capabilities are modern air surveillance and Lynx-U2 fire control radars, a highly automated integrated platform management system, and advanced damage control networks to maintain operational readiness under fire
