In a milestone achievement, the Indian Navy held a keel laying ceremony for the fourth Ex-GSL NGOPV (Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel) on June 9, 2025. The ceremony, led by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, is a major stride towards bolstering India’s maritime security architecture. Moreover, the keel laying for the fourth Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) being built by Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) was also attended by dignitaries from both the Indian Navy and the shipyard, along with Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman and Managing Director of GSL.
The milestone underscores the accelerating momentum of India’s shipbuilding industry under the umbrella of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India initiative, both of which aim to ensure indigenous defense production and maritime self-reliance. Just this year, the Indian shipbuilding industry successfully started the keel laying for the second and third Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV), the keel laying of the seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), and the keel laying of the third cadet training ship, amongst the few.
The NGOPV Program: Keel Laying Of Four Ex-GSL NGOPVs
The ongoing NGOPV program was initiated following the signing of contracts on 30 March 2023, wherein the Ministry of Defence entrusted the construction of eleven advanced offshore patrol vessels to two of India’s premier defense shipyards. Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) was allocated seven hulls, while Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata was awarded the construction of four hulls. This distributed production strategy is aimed at optimizing shipbuilding timelines while enhancing industrial synergies across regions.
Technical Specifications and Operational Role of NGOPVs
Each NGOPV is designed with an approximate displacement of 3,000 tonnes, classifying them as medium-sized surface combatant vessels ideal for multi-role deployment. These vessels feature cutting-edge sensors, modular weapon systems, and integrated communication suites, enabling them to fulfill a range of mission profiles across diverse maritime environments.
The primary roles envisaged for these NGOPVs include:
- Coastal and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Surveillance
- Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations
- Anti-Piracy and Anti-Trafficking Missions
- Protection of Offshore Critical Assets and Installations
- Fleet Support and Escort Duties
Engineered for high operational endurance, these platforms are expected to play a pivotal role in augmenting the Indian Navy’s capacity to maintain a continuous and assertive maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The vessels are being constructed as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Naval Class Society norms, ensuring high standards of build quality and combat-readiness.
National Significance and Industrial Self-Reliance
The NGOPV project symbolizes India’s strategic thrust toward ‘Aatmanirbhar’ defense manufacturing. Over 60% of the equipment and subsystems used in the NGOPVs are being sourced from Indian defense contractors, MSMEs, and shipbuilding industries. This is in line with the Government of India’s Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020, which envisions India becoming a leading exporter of defense platforms.
The involvement of indigenous firms in critical systems such as propulsion, navigation, and combat management not only fosters innovation but also reduces dependency on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Furthermore, the NGOPV construction has generated substantial employment across the skilled labor and engineering domains, supporting India’s goal of becoming a global maritime power.
Maritime Security Imperatives Aligned For The Future
With the keel of Yard 1283 now laid, GSL is on course to deliver the vessel within stipulated timelines, contributing to the larger fleet induction plan aimed at fortifying India’s blue water capabilities. The timely commissioning of these vessels will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s ability to deter non-traditional maritime threats, safeguard sea lines of communication, and project power in critical geostrategic corridors.
In conclusion, the keel laying of Yard 1283 marks not only a construction milestone but also a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to strengthening maritime security through indigenous capability development. As the nation navigates an evolving geopolitical landscape, the NGOPV program stands as a robust pillar in India’s strategic maritime doctrine.
