Keel-Laying Ceremony for First Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) Held at Goa Shipyard

In a major boost to the Indian Navy's pursuit of self-reliance, the keel-laying ceremony for the first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) was held on Friday at Goa Shipyard Ltd. This milestone marks a significant step in India's 'Make in India' initiative, enhancing the nation's maritime security capabilities.

Vice Admiral B Siva Kumar, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition, presided over the ceremony. The Ministry of Defence, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) signed a contract last year to indigenously design and construct 11 NGOPVs. GSL will serve as the lead shipyard, building seven vessels, with GRSE constructing the remaining four.

These advanced patrol vessels will play a crucial role in safeguarding India's economic and geopolitical interests in the Indian Ocean Region. Their primary missions will include anti-piracy operations, coastal defense and surveillance, search and rescue, and protecting vital offshore assets.

The Ministry of Defence emphasized this development aligns with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision, promoting self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This initiative reinforces India's commitment to strengthening its naval power and becoming a leading maritime force.

The keel-laying ceremony of the first NGOPV highlights India's determination to modernize its naval fleet. These domestically produced vessels will significantly improve the Indian Navy's ability to patrol waters and defend the nation's vast coastline.

 

[Anant]

Fantastic news. Once these ships start entering service, the venerable Sukanya-class will start bowing out of service. Perhaps it is time we start looking at potential nations to sell / donate them to in South-East Asia to help them deter China?

 

[Anant]

Correction: These are ships of the Navy's planned NGOPV-class, which envisions 11 large OPVs. Six of these would replace the venerable Sukanya-class OPVs, while five others would add to numbers, raking overall large OPV numbers up to 15. These ships will be built by GSL (7 ships) and GRSE (4 ships).

The Coast Guard also has a class of 6 large NGOPVs on order from MDL. While named the same, the two designs will be different. The ICG-NGOPV deal was signed last year, and the first ship will be laid down later this year or early next year.

This article has confused both classes.