Kochi: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has achieved a major milestone in the construction of the Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) with the steel cutting ceremony held at its facility in Kochi on Thursday.
The ceremony was performed by Rear Admiral Kapil Mehta, NM, ACWP&A, Indian Navy, marking the formal beginning of physical construction of the advanced naval platform. Dr Harikrishnan S, Director (Operations), CSL, also graced the occasion, along with senior representatives from the Indian Navy and CSL.
Steel Cutting Marks Start of NGMV Construction
Steel cutting is a key milestone in the construction of a warship. It marks the beginning of physical fabrication and involves the first cutting of steel plates that will form the vessel’s hull structure.
For the NGMV programme, the ceremony marks the transition from the design and planning stage to active fabrication at Cochin Shipyard.
Key Details
- Project: Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV)
- Event: Steel cutting ceremony
- Date: September 17, 2026
- Location: Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi
- Performed by: Rear Admiral Kapil Mehta, NM, ACWP&A, Indian Navy
- CSL representative: Dr Harikrishnan S, Director (Operations)
- Participants: Representatives from the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Limited
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NGMV to Strengthen Indian Navy’s Surface Combat Capabilities
The Next Generation Missile Vessel is an advanced naval platform designed to enhance the Indian Navy’s surface combat capabilities.
The vessel is being developed with a focus on modern missile systems and indigenous technologies, supporting the Navy’s requirements for advanced platforms as part of its fleet modernisation efforts.
The NGMV programme forms part of the broader effort to develop high-end naval platforms within India and strengthen the capabilities of the country’s naval fleet.
CSL Advances Indigenous Warship Construction
The steel cutting ceremony highlights CSL’s continued focus on building technologically advanced warships for the Indian Navy.
The project also supports India’s efforts to strengthen its indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for critical defence platforms.
NGMV Project Supports Fleet Modernisation
The NGMV project is part of the Indian Navy’s wider fleet modernisation efforts, with an emphasis on advanced and indigenous naval platforms.
The programme is expected to contribute to India’s growing capabilities in complex warship construction and support the long-term objective of developing a stronger and more self-reliant naval industrial base.
The commencement of fabrication at CSL adds momentum to the country’s ongoing efforts to expand domestic capacity for designing and constructing sophisticated naval vessels.
What the Steel Cutting Ceremony Means
The steel cutting ceremony is more than a formal event as it represents the beginning of the physical construction process for a warship.
The process involves:
- Cutting the first steel plates for the vessel.
- Beginning fabrication of the hull structure.
- Moving from design and planning to physical construction.
- Starting the shipbuilding process at the designated shipyard.
For the NGMV, this milestone signals the start of active fabrication at Cochin Shipyard.
About Cochin Shipyard Limited
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is a Government of India shipbuilding and ship repair company under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Based in Kochi, Kerala, CSL builds and repairs a wide range of vessels, including naval ships and commercial vessels. The company plays an important role in India’s indigenous shipbuilding programme and supports the country’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the maritime and defence sectors.
Read also: Cochin Shipyard and DCI Forge 5-Year Partnership to Boost Vessel Repairs and Maritime Operations
