Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), which has built and delivered a record 118 warships to the country's maritime forces, on Wednesday launched ‘Sanghamitra’, the first of four next-generation offshore patrol vessels (NGOPVs) being built for the Indian Navy.
The vessel was launched by Sarita Vatsayan, wife of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, amid traditional rituals and chanting of shlokas in Kolkata.
The NGOPVs are significantly larger and more capable than conventional offshore patrol vessels, with enhanced endurance and firepower, officials said. The vessel measures around 113 metres in length and 14.6 metres in width, with a displacement of 3,000 tonnes. The ship has an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots and can achieve a maximum speed of 23 knots. The vessel is capable of operating in coastal waters for the protection of offshore assets, maritime interdiction and visit, board, search and seizure operations.
Strategic Importance
Vice Admiral Vatsayan said the Indian Navy has evolved into a force committed not only to combat preparedness but also to maintaining a stable maritime environment through cooperation, presence and operational readiness. 'In this broader context, the next-generation offshore patrol vessel project holds considerable significance,' he said. He commended GRSE for delivering eight ships to the Indian Navy during the last financial year.
Technological Advancements
Cmde PR Hari (Retd), chairman & managing director, GRSE, highlighted the technological advances that the shipyard has made adding to enhanced capabilities. 'We are kickstarting 2026-27 with the launch of this vessel and this year too will see multiple launches and deliveries,' he said.
These NGOPVs will also participate in ‘Out of Area’ contingency operations, non-combatant evacuation, convoy operations, anti-piracy missions and counter-infiltration operations. Apart from these, they will take on poachers and traffickers, and participate in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as well as search and rescue missions. They will also be able to operate as hospital and COMINT ships apart from providing fleet maintenance support.
