Cochin Shipyard Begins Construction Of Rs 9,804 Crore Next-Gen Missile Vessels For Indian Navy

Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has officially commenced the construction of Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) for the Indian Navy, marking a major milestone in its journey toward building advanced weapon-intensive platforms. 

The steel-cutting ceremony, a key event in the shipbuilding process, was held on 16 December 2024, and officiated by Commodore S Parthiban, Warship Production Superintendent of the Warship Overseeing Team (WOT), CSL announced in a statement on Wednesday.

In March 2023, CSL signed a contract with the Indian Navy to construct six NGMVs at an estimated cost of Rs 9,804 crore.

The first vessel is scheduled for delivery by March 2027, with subsequent ships to follow in the coming years.

The NGMVs are being designed as high-speed vessels, equipped with cutting-edge technology and weapon systems.

Key features of NGMVs include:

Surface-to-Surface Missile Systems: Advanced offensive capabilities to target enemy warships, merchant vessels, and land installations.

Anti-Missile Defence Systems: Ensuring robust protection against aerial threats.

Radars and Sensors: Advanced air surveillance and fire control systems to support operations.

These vessels will play a critical role in maritime strike and anti-surface warfare operations while providing sea denial at strategic choke points. They are also designed to perform defensive roles, such as safeguarding offshore development areas and local naval defence.

The vessels will integrate state-of-the-art systems, including:

Integrated Platform Management Systems: To monitor and manage ship operations efficiently.

Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery: Ensuring optimal performance and speed.

Damage Control Equipment: Enhancing safety and resilience in combat scenarios.

Each NGMV will house a crew of 80 personnel and achieve a maximum speed of 33 knots, further solidifying its strategic advantage, the CSL statement highlighted.

"The primary role of the NGMVs will be to provide offensive capabilities against enemy warships, merchant vessels, and land targets. They will support maritime strike and anti-surface warfare operations while serving as a potent tool for sea denial at choke points," the release emphasised.

Also Read: India’s Defence PSUs Target Rs 2,100 Crore In Exports For FY 2024-25, Reducing Import Dependence And Boosting Self-Reliance