Kolkata: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, launched ‘Shruti’, the second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) being built by the shipyard for the Indian Navy.
The warship was launched on August 11, 2026, less than three months after GRSE launched the first NGOPV, Sanghmitra, on May 20, 2026. The development highlights the shipyard’s continued progress in executing the Indian Navy’s prestigious NGOPV programme.
GRSE is constructing four NGOPVs as part of the Indian Navy’s wider 11-ship NGOPV programme.
‘Shruti’ Launched With Traditional Naval Ceremony
The newly launched vessel was formally named ‘Shruti’ by Smt. Manika Sadhu, wife of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition (CWP&A), Indian Navy.
The launch ceremony was conducted with traditional rituals and the chanting of Vedic shlokas. Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu attended the event as the Chief Guest.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Indian Navy and GRSE, including:
- Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE
- Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding), GRSE
- Capt. (IN) P. Sunilkumar (Retd.), Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel), GRSE
- Mr. Niranjan Bhalerao, Director (Finance), GRSE
- Mr. Abhishek Ranjan, IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer
- Senior officials of the Indian Navy and GRSE
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Meaning Behind the Name ‘Shruti’
The name ‘Shruti’ means “that which is heard”. In Indian tradition, the term is associated with the four Vedas, ancient scriptures preserved through oral tradition over generations.
The name reflects an important element of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
NGOPVs Offer Enhanced Endurance and Operational Capabilities
The Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels are significantly larger and more capable than the Offshore Patrol Vessels built earlier.
The vessels have been designed to provide the Indian Navy with greater endurance, firepower and operational flexibility.
Key specifications of the NGOPVs include:
- Length: Approximately 113 metres
- Width: Approximately 14.6 metres
- Displacement: Around 3,000 tonnes
- Maximum speed: Up to 23 knots
- Endurance: 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots
The vessels will be equipped with advanced systems and sensors along with a potent weapon fit, making them suitable for a wide range of maritime missions.
NGOPVs Designed for Multiple Maritime Operations
The new generation patrol vessels will be capable of undertaking a wide range of operations, covering both routine maritime security and specialised missions.
Their roles will include:
- Coastal and offshore asset protection
- Maritime interdiction
- Surveillance
- Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS)
- Mine warfare
- Special operations
- Out of Area Contingency Operations
- Anti-piracy operations
- Counter-infiltration missions
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
- Search and rescue operations
The vessels will also support specialised roles involving hospital facilities, communications intelligence (COMINT) and fleet maintenance.
Indian Navy Highlights GRSE’s Shipbuilding Legacy
Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu highlighted the importance of India’s maritime security and the need to ensure freedom of navigation, secure sea lanes and uninterrupted movement of energy and essential goods.
He also pointed to the growth of India’s defence manufacturing and shipbuilding ecosystem over the past decade, noting GRSE’s significant contribution to indigenous warship construction.
GRSE delivered INS Ajay in 1961, which was among the first indigenously built platforms delivered by the shipyard to the Indian Navy.
Over the decades, the shipyard has delivered more than 110 warships to the Indian Navy and built over 800 ships and platforms for the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, export customers and other countries.
GRSE was accorded Navratna status in June 2026, recognising its long-term contribution and capabilities in the defence shipbuilding sector.
Vice Admiral Sadhu said the launch of ‘Shruti’ reflects the professionalism, competence and commitment of Team GRSE.
GRSE Targets More Warship Deliveries and Launches
GRSE Chairman and Managing Director Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), highlighted the shipyard’s expansion plans and its commitment to Atmanirbharta and self-reliance in defence production.
He said the four NGOPVs being constructed by GRSE are considerably larger and more capable than earlier Sukanya-class and Saryu-class Offshore Patrol Vessels.
The new vessels feature greater endurance, advanced equipment and sensors and enhanced weapon capabilities.
GRSE has also maintained a strong construction and delivery schedule. The shipyard delivered eight warships and launched one warship in the previous year.
For the current year, GRSE has set a target to:
- Deliver five warships
- Launch four vessels
The targets underline the shipyard’s efforts to increase production capacity and maintain momentum in naval shipbuilding.
GRSE Strengthens India’s Indigenous Defence Shipbuilding
The launch of ‘Shruti’ marks another step in GRSE’s efforts to strengthen India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The NGOPV programme combines enhanced operational capabilities with modern shipbuilding technologies and supports the Indian Navy’s requirement for versatile platforms capable of performing multiple maritime security and support roles.
With four NGOPVs being constructed by GRSE, the shipyard is contributing to the Navy’s broader 11-vessel programme while advancing India’s goal of greater self-reliance in defence production.
About GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) is a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, headquartered in Kolkata. The company is one of India’s leading warship builders and has constructed more than 800 ships and platforms for the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, export customers and other countries. GRSE plays an important role in strengthening India’s indigenous defence shipbuilding and maritime capabilities.
