Kochi: The keel of the Indian Navy’s first Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) was laid at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi on Thursday, marking a key step in the construction of the Navy’s new generation of missile vessels.
The keel-laying ceremony on September 18 was attended by Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, as chief guest, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy and CSL.
The contract for construction of the NGMVs was concluded with CSL in March 2023. According to the Navy, the vessels are planned to be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, aimed at significantly enhancing the service’s combat capabilities.
The NGMV project is part of the Navy’s efforts to build what it describes as a “future ready and combat ready force” capable of operating in an increasingly complex maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region.
The construction programme also highlights the growing role of India’s domestic defence industry in warship building. The Navy said all major role-defining equipment for the vessels is being indigenously developed and manufactured.
The project aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Make for the World initiatives, according to the PIB release.
The Navy said the construction of the NGMVs would reinforce India’s efforts to develop a modern maritime force while strengthening indigenous capabilities in the defence manufacturing sector.
The keel laying marks the formal commencement of construction of the first vessel under the NGMV project at CSL. Senior Navy and shipyard officials attended the ceremony.
