Indian Navy’s First Next-Gen Missile Vessel Construction Begins At Cochin Shipyard

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) held the steel-cutting ceremony for the first ship of the Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) class for the Indian Navy on December 16, 2024.

This marks the official start of the ship’s construction. Commodore S. Parthiban, Warship Production Superintendent, was present at the ceremony in Kochi.

In March 2023, CSL signed a contract with the Indian Navy to build six NGMVs, with an estimated cost of ₹9,804 crore. These ships are expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy from 2027 onward.

The NGMVs are designed to be high-speed vessels equipped with advanced weapon systems and sensors. These include:

– Surface-to-Surface Missile System: These missiles will help target enemy warships, merchant vessels, and land installations.
– Anti-Missile Defence Systems: These systems will protect the vessels from aerial threats.
– Air Surveillance and Fire Control Radars: These advanced radars will support operations by providing accurate surveillance and targeting information.

These vessels will play an important role in maritime strike and anti-surface warfare operations. They are designed to provide sea denial at strategic choke points, ensuring the safety and security of India’s maritime interests.

Additionally, they will have defensive roles like safeguarding offshore development areas and local naval defence.

A major aspect of the NGMV program is the focus on indigenously developed technology. All the major equipment, including the weapons, radars, and sensors, have been designed and manufactured in India. This supports the Indian government’s vision of an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).

Each NGMV will have:

–Integrated Platform Management Systems: To manage and monitor all ship operations.
–Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery: For high-speed performance, ensuring the ships can reach a maximum speed of 33 knots.
–Damage Control Equipment: To enhance the safety and resilience of the vessels in combat situations.

Each ship will accommodate a crew of 80 personnel, and their advanced systems will ensure that they are ready to meet future challenges and provide a strong defence for India’s maritime borders.

The construction of these vessels strengthens India’s commitment to building a modern, combat-ready fleet capable of operating in the complex maritime environment of the Indian Ocean Region.

The NGMVs will enhance the Navy’s ability to deal with modern threats, ensuring a formidable and future-ready force.

References: PIB, India Today

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