Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) launched their second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), built for the Indian Navy, called ‘Shruti’. This marks another milestone in India's push for indigenous warship construction. The launch comes less than three months after GRSE launched ‘Sanghmitra’, the first NGOPV from the shipyard, on May 20.

GRSE is constructing 4 of the 11 NGOPVs being built under the Indian Navy's programme. The vessel, named ‘Shruti’, meaning “that which is heard” and referring to the Vedas in Indian tradition, was formally launched by Smt. Manika Sadhu, the wife of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, Indian Navy. Vice Admiral Sadhu attended the ceremony as Chief Guest.

The NGOPVs represent a significant step up from earlier Offshore Patrol Vessels, with greater size, endurance, firepower and operational versatility. Measuring approximately 113 metres in length and 14.6 metres in width, the 3,000 tonne vessels can attain speeds of up to 23 knots and have an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots.

The vessels are designed for a wide range of missions, including coastal and offshore asset protection, maritime surveillance, interdiction, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure operations, mine warfare and special operations. Their roles will also extend to anti-piracy, counter infiltration, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, search and rescue, Out of Area Contingency Operations and specialised support functions including hospital, communications intelligence and fleet maintenance duties.

Speaking at the launch, Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu highlighted the growing importance of India's maritime security, including the protection of sea lanes, freedom of navigation and uninterrupted movement of energy and essential goods. He also underlined GRSE's contribution to indigenous naval shipbuilding, noting that the shipyard has delivered more than 110 warships to the Indian Navy over the decades.

GRSE Chairman and Managing Director Cmde PR Hari also highlighted the shipyard's expanding production capacity and its commitment to ‘Atmanirbharta’. He noted that the NGOPVs are considerably larger and more capable than earlier Sukanya and Saryu class Offshore Patrol Vessels, incorporating advanced sensors, equipment and weapon systems.

This launch comes as GRSE enters another busy phase of warship production. After delivering eight warships and launching one vessel in the previous year, the shipyard plans to deliver five warships and launch four vessels during the current year. The progress of ‘Shruti’ and the wider NGOPV programme thus underscores the increasing pace and scale of India's indigenous naval shipbuilding capability.

Chakra Desk

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