Indian Navys Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel Shruti Launched at GRSE Yard
Kolkata, August 11: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited has announced plans to deliver five warships to the Indian Navy by the end of 2026-27. This announcement was made by GRSE’s Chairman and Managing Director, Commodore P.R. Hari (Retd.), during the launch of the next-generation offshore patrol vessel (NGOPV) named ‘Shruti’ on August 11 in Kolkata.
‘Shruti’ is the second of four NGOPVs being built by GRSE, following the launch of the first vessel, ‘Sanghamitra,’ on May 20 this year.
Commodore Hari stated, “We are constructing nine warships, including these four NGOPVs. We aim to deliver five of these vessels by the end of this financial year. Additionally, we will launch the remaining two NGOPVs by then.”
The warships scheduled for delivery include the advanced stealth guided missile frigate ‘Vindhyagiri’ and four anti-submarine shallow water craft (ASW-SWC). The launch of ‘Shruti’ was officiated by Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, the Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition (CWP&A) of the Indian Navy, with his wife, Manika Sadhu, performing traditional rituals and chanting.
NGOPVs will be significantly larger than previously built offshore patrol vessels, featuring enhanced endurance. These ships will be equipped with advanced sensors and equipment. They will measure approximately 113 meters in length and 14.6 meters in width, with a displacement of 3,000 tons.
NGOPVs can achieve speeds of up to 23 knots. At a speed of 14 knots, their endurance will extend to 8,500 nautical miles. These vessels will undertake various roles, including operations in coastal waters, protection of offshore assets, maritime interdiction, and conducting visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operations.
They will also participate in surveillance and mine countermeasure operations, with capabilities for special missions. These warships will be involved in ‘out-of-area’ contingency operations, non-combatant evacuations, convoy operations, anti-piracy missions, and intrusion prevention operations.
Moreover, they will engage in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as search and rescue missions. In addition to supporting fleet maintenance, they will also function as hospital and intelligence-gathering vessels.
Commodore Hari expressed some concern over the lack of new orders from the Navy and Coast Guard. He noted, “Our primary business is warship construction. After delivering five warships, our orders for naval platforms will significantly decrease. This is a matter of concern. However, I am confident that orders for the next-generation corvettes will improve the situation.”
