NEXT GENERATION MISSILE VESSEL (NGMV)
Why in News?
The Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project is in the news because on 18 September 2026 Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) successfully laid the keel for the first NGMV (Yard BY 531) and held the steel-cutting ceremony for the second vessel.
Project Overview & Procurement
- Contracting Details: The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹9,805 crore contract with CSL to construct six NGMVs for the Indian Navy.
- Delivery Timeline: Deliveries of the warships are scheduled to commence in March 2027.
- Strategic Entry: This project marks CSL's entry into manufacturing advanced, weapon-intensive surface platforms.
- Economic Impact: The construction timeline will generate an estimated 45 lakh man-days of employment over a nine-year period.
Key Specifications & Capabilities
- Speed & Personnel: The NGMVs are high-speed warships capable of reaching a maximum speed of 33 to 35 knots (up to 64 km/h), operated by a complement of 80 personnel.
- Stealth Design: The vessels incorporate low radar cross-sections (RCS), alongside reduced acoustic, infrared, and magnetic signatures.
- Propulsion System: Equipped with General Electric LM2500 marine gas turbines to maintain high performance and stealth.
Weaponry & Sensor Suite
- Primary Offensive Armament: The ships are designed to carry long-range precision strike weapon systems, highlighted by the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system.
- Defensive Firepower: Outfitted with 12 AK-630 naval guns manufactured indigenously by the Gun & Shell Factory, Cossipore, alongside advanced anti-missile defence systems.
- Sensors & Electronics: Features state-of-the-art air surveillance radars, fire control radars, and integrated platform management systems supplied via Bharat Electronics.
Operational Roles
- Offensive Operations: Tasked with executing maritime strike operations and anti-surface warfare against enemy warships, merchant vessels, and land targets.
- Sea Denial: Positioned to act as a potent tool for sea denial, particularly at critical maritime choke points.
- Defensive Functions: Employed for local naval defence operations and safeguarding India's Offshore Development Areas (ODA).
