Kolkata: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) marked a major milestone in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing journey with the launch of the first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) for the Indian Navy in Kolkata on 20 May 2026. The warship has been named INS Sanghmitra.
The launch reinforces India’s push towards self-reliant naval shipbuilding and stronger maritime security capabilities.
Ceremonial Launch Held at GRSE Shipyard, Kolkata
The vessel was ceremonially launched by Sarita Vatsayan, wife of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, who attended the event as the Chief Guest.
The name Sanghmitra carries historical significance, meaning “friend of the community,” and is associated with Emperor Ashoka’s daughter, who played a key role in spreading Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
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Major Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
GRSE is constructing a total of four NGOPVs for the Indian Navy, strengthening India’s maritime defence capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The shipyard has previously delivered multiple advanced vessels and also exported the OPV MCGS Barracuda to Mauritius, earning global recognition for its in-house design capabilities.
Advanced Specifications of NGOPV Class Ships
The Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels are significantly more advanced than earlier models, featuring:
- Length: ~113 metres
- Width: 14.6 metres
- Displacement: 3,000 tonnes
- Speed: up to 23 knots
- Endurance: 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots
- Shallow draught: 4 metres
These features make the vessels highly effective for coastal and deep-sea operations.
Multi-Role Capabilities for Modern Naval Operations
The NGOPVs are designed for a wide range of missions, including:
- Offshore asset protection
- Maritime interdiction operations
- Search and rescue missions
- Anti-piracy patrols
- Convoy escort duties
- Counter-infiltration operations
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)
They will also support roles such as:
- Hospital ship operations
- Communication intelligence (COMINT)
- Mine warfare and surveillance missions
Navy Highlights Strategic Importance of NGOPV Project
Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan praised GRSE’s contribution to strengthening India’s naval readiness. He said the NGOPV project is crucial for enhancing operational preparedness and ensuring maritime stability through presence and cooperation.
He also appreciated GRSE for successfully delivering eight ships in the previous financial year.
GRSE Strengthens India’s Shipbuilding Capabilities
Chairman and Managing Director Cmde P.R. Hari (Retd.) said the launch marks the beginning of a busy phase for GRSE, with several upcoming deliveries and launches planned for 2026–27.
He highlighted that the project reflects India’s growing technological capability in defence manufacturing and shipbuilding excellence.
About GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited is one of India’s leading defence shipyards under the Ministry of Defence. The company is known for designing and constructing advanced warships for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, and for exporting naval vessels globally. GRSE plays a key role in strengthening India’s maritime defence under the vision of self-reliant defence production.
