Indian Navy’s First Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel at GRSE Kolkata

India’s first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), Yard 3039, was launched at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) shipyard in Kolkata on Wednesday, marking a significant step in strengthening the Indian Navy’s surveillance and maritime security capabilities.

The vessel was launched in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, who attended the ceremony as the chief guest. The warship was formally launched by Sarita Vatsayan, wife of the senior naval officer. The launch marks the beginning of a new class of indigenous offshore patrol vessels being developed under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, with GRSE set to deliver four such ships to the Indian Navy.

Designed for extended maritime operations, the NGOPVs are expected to significantly enhance coastal defence, surveillance and mission readiness, particularly in anti-piracy and humanitarian operations. Stretching approximately 113 metres in length and 14.6 metres in width, the vessel has a displacement of nearly 3,000 tonnes and has been designed for long-range deployment with improved endurance and operational flexibility.

Officials said the ship can attain speeds of up to 23 knots and has an operational endurance of around 8,500 nautical miles while cruising at 14 knots. With a draught requirement of only four metres, the vessel is capable of operating efficiently in shallow coastal waters, allowing it to secure offshore assets and undertake interdiction operations.

The new-generation patrol vessels will be equipped to carry out a broad spectrum of maritime tasks, including surveillance missions, anti-piracy operations, mine warfare and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercises. The platform will also be capable of supporting special operations and participating in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts, including functioning as a floating hospital when required.

According to officials, the vessel will also play a role in tackling illegal maritime activities such as drug trafficking and poaching, while supporting non-combatant evacuation operations and convoy protection during crises. The warship will be manned by a complement of 24 officers and more than 100 sailors.

GRSE, one of India’s leading defence shipbuilders, has previously delivered several offshore patrol vessels for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. The Kolkata-based shipyard had also built MCGS Barracuda, India’s first exported warship, which was handed over to Mauritius in 2014.