Kolkata, 10 August (H.S.): The third of 11 Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) being built for the Indian Navy is scheduled to be launched in Kolkata on August 11. The vessels are being constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), the shipbuilder said in a statement on Monday.

The vessel will be the second NGOPV to be launched by GRSE. The shipyard had earlier launched the first vessel, named ‘Sanghamitra’, on May 20. GSL, which is building seven of the 11 NGOPVs, launched the first of its vessels, named ‘Shaachi’, on March 31, 2026.

The launch ceremony at GRSE will be attended by Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller Warship Production and Acquisition (CWP&A), as the chief guest. His wife, Manika Sadhu, will launch the vessel.

A senior Navy official said the NGOPV project was progressing as per schedule. With the construction of three vessels now underway, the next phase will involve fitting them with equipment and various systems. Delivery of the vessels to the Navy is expected to begin from 2028. The project is expected to contribute to the Navy’s target of building a fleet of 200 warships.

According to the official, the NGOPVs will be more advanced than the patrol vessels currently in service with the Navy. They will have enhanced stealth capabilities, greater endurance at sea, and modern equipment and weapons, enabling them to undertake a wide range of maritime operations.

Future warships being built for the Indian Navy will increasingly incorporate next-generation technologies. These will include next-generation corvettes, frigates, survey vessels and destroyers.

The NGOPVs will be approximately 113 metres long and 14.6 metres wide, with a displacement of around 3,000 tonnes. They will have a maximum speed of 23 knots and an endurance of about 8,500 nautical miles at a speed of 14 knots.

Designed for a wide range of missions, the vessels will be capable of operating in shallow waters as low as four metres, making them suitable for coastal operations. They will be deployed for the protection of critical offshore assets, maritime surveillance, action against suspicious activities, and boarding, search and seizure operations.

The NGOPVs will also play a role in maintaining maritime surveillance and presence, as well as supporting mine warfare operations and special operations. They will be capable of undertaking contingency missions in remote areas, evacuation of non-combatants, convoy operations, anti-piracy missions and anti-infiltration operations.

The vessels will also be deployed against illegal fishing and smuggling activities in the maritime domain. In the event of natural disasters or other emergencies, they will support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, search and rescue operations. If required, the vessels can also be configured for use as hospital ships and communications intelligence vessels, besides providing fleet support and maintenance assistance.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh