Delhi, 25 April (H.S.): The keel-laying ceremony for Yard 3040, the fourth Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) designed by GRSE, took place on April 24, 2025, in Kolkata. Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, the Chief Guest, along with Cmde PR Hari (Retd) and other senior officials from the Indian Navy and GRSE, attended the event. This milestone highlights India’s growing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. Contracts for eleven NGOPVs were signed on March 30, 2023, with Goa Shipyard Ltd and Garden Reach Shipbuilders; GSL is constructing seven vessels and GRSE four.

Each NGOPV, weighing approximately 3000T, is intended for Coastal Defence, Surveillance, Search & Rescue, Offshore Asset Protection, and Anti-Piracy operations. The project aligns with the nation’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives, enhancing the Indian Navy’s maritime strength.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar