Kochi: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has marked the keel-laying ceremony of a Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) being built for the Indian Navy. Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, was the Chief Guest at the ceremony.
CSL CMD Jose VJ, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy and CSL, attended the event.
The milestone highlights CSL’s capabilities in complex warship construction, advanced shipbuilding technologies and the delivery of sophisticated naval platforms for the Indian Navy.
CSL to Build Six Next Generation Missile Vessels
Under a contract signed with the Indian Navy in March 2023, CSL is constructing and delivering six Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs).
The project represents CSL’s entry into the construction of advanced weapon-intensive platforms for the Indian Navy. The vessels are being designed to strengthen the Navy’s operational capabilities in the complex maritime environment of the Indian Ocean Region.
Key project highlights:
- CSL will construct and deliver six NGMVs for the Indian Navy.
- The contract was signed in March 2023.
- The vessels will be equipped with advanced weapons and sensors.
- The ships will have a maximum speed of 33 knots, or around 61 kmph.
- Each vessel will accommodate approximately 80 personnel.
Advanced Weapons and Sensors
The NGMV-class ships are envisaged as high-speed vessels equipped with a range of modern weapons and surveillance systems.
The major systems planned for the vessels include:
- Surface-to-Surface Missile systems
- Anti-Missile Defence Systems
- Air Surveillance Radars
- Fire Control Radars
- Advanced integrated platform management systems
These systems are designed to enhance the vessels’ combat and operational capabilities.
Advanced Propulsion and Platform Systems
Apart from weapons and sensors, the NGMVs will feature advanced machinery and integrated systems to support their operations.
The vessels will be equipped with:
- Propulsion machinery
- Auxiliary machinery
- Power generation and distribution systems
- Damage control machinery
- Integrated platform management systems
These systems will support the vessels in operating effectively in demanding maritime environments.
Strong Focus on Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
A key feature of the NGMV project is its focus on indigenous development and manufacturing.
All major role-defining equipment for the vessels is being indigenously developed and manufactured. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Make for the World.
The project is also expected to strengthen India’s domestic defence shipbuilding ecosystem and capabilities in constructing advanced naval platforms.
Keel Laying Marks Key Shipbuilding Milestone
The keel-laying ceremony marks an important stage in the construction of the advanced missile vessels.
The milestone highlights:
- CSL’s capabilities in complex warship production.
- The use of advanced shipbuilding technologies.
- India’s growing indigenous defence shipbuilding capabilities.
- CSL’s role in delivering sophisticated platforms for the Indian Navy.
- The focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
The project is aimed at supporting the development of a modern Navy capable of operating effectively in the evolving maritime environment of the Indian Ocean Region.
About Cochin Shipyard Limited
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is a major Indian shipbuilding and ship repair company under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, CSL undertakes the construction and repair of a wide range of vessels, including naval platforms and commercial ships. The company plays an important role in India’s indigenous shipbuilding and defence manufacturing efforts.
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