Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs)

The keel for Yard 3040—the fourth vessel in the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) series under construction by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in Kolkata—was recently laid in a ceremonial event.

Overview of NGOPVs

Each NGOPV has an estimated displacement of around 3,000 tonnes and is built to support a wide range of maritime operations. These include:

• Coastal surveillance and defence
• Search and rescue (SAR) missions
• Safeguarding offshore installations like oil platforms
• Anti-piracy patrols within and beyond India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

Outfitted with state-of-the-art sensors and weapon systems, these vessels will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s ability to monitor and respond to low-intensity maritime threats.

Project Background

The NGOPVs are being constructed under a contract awarded on 30 March 2023 for the indigenous development of 11 such patrol ships. The contract was divided between two shipyards: Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), designated as the lead shipyard for seven vessels, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), tasked with building four.
This initiative aligns with India’s broader goals of strengthening domestic defence production under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ programs.