GRSE launches Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Sanghamitra'
Kolkata, May 20
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd, the shipyard that has built and delivered a record 118 warships to the country's maritime forces, launched its first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Sanghmitra' on Wednesday, May 20.
Four such NGOPVs are being built by GRSE for the Navy.
The warship was launched by Sarita Vatsayan, wife of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy, amidst chanting of shlokas. Vice Admiral Vatsayan was the Chief Guest at the occasion.
The name Sanghmitra means friend of the community. It was also the name of the eldest daughter of Emperor Ashoka, who is known to have travelled to Sri Lanka in the 3rd Century BC to spread the teachings of Lord Buddha.
GRSE has significant experience in the construction of warships and patrol vessels for maritime operations. The shipyard also built the OPV MCGS Barracuda, the first warship exported by India to Mauritius in 2014. GRSE bagged the Defence Minister's Award of Excellence for the in-house Design Effort for that warship.
The launch of this ship is on the heels of a successful year for GRSE, having delivered eight ships in a single year, including simultaneous delivery of three warships of different classes - the P17A stealth frigate, a Survey Vessel large and an ASW Shallow water craft - on a single day, March 30, 2026.
The NGOPVs will be much larger warships than the OPVs built earlier, and have greater endurance and firepower. These platforms will be about 113 metres long and 14.6 metres wide, with a displacement of 3,000 tons. The NGOPVs will achieve speeds of up to 23 knots. Their endurance will be 8,500 nautical miles at a speed of 14 knots.
The NGOPVs will play a variety of roles. With a draught requirement of only 4 metres, they would be able to operate in coastal waters, protecting offshore assets, carrying out maritime interdiction, as well as visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations. They will also be part of presence-cum-surveillance and mine warfare missions while having the capability to support special operations.
These warships will also participate in 'Out of Area' Contingency Operations, non-combatant evacuation, convoy operations, anti-piracy missions and counter-infiltration operations. Apart from these, they will take on poachers and traffickers, and participate in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as search and rescue missions. They will also be able to operate as a hospital, and COMINT ships apart from providing fleet maintenance support.
Vice Admiral Vatsayan commended GRSE's role in keeping the Navy supplied with advanced warships.
"Over the years, the Indian Navy has evolved into a force that is not only prepared for conflicts but equally committed to shaping the stable maritime environment through cooperation, presence and readiness," he said.
"In this broader context, the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel project holds considerable significance. I would like to convey my appreciation to GRSE, which has consistently demonstrated its capability in delivering quality platforms to the Indian Navy, having delivered eight ships in the last financial year. Today's launch adds another important chapter to its legacy," the Vice Admiral added.
Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), chairman and managing director, GRSE, highlighted the technological advances that the shipyard has made, adding to enhanced capabilities.
"We are kickstarting 2026-27 with the launch of this vessel, and this year too will see multiple launches and deliveries," he said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Impressive capabilities for an OPV – 3000 tons displacement, 23 knots speed, and 8500 nautical miles range? That's serious ocean-going endurance. The shallow 4m draught means it can operate close to shore too, which is crucial for coastal security. India is building a truly blue-water navy.
Very proud moment for Kolkata and for India! GRSE has been a cornerstone of our shipbuilding industry for decades. The fact that it can serve as a hospital ship and for disaster relief shows how versatile these vessels are. But I hope we also focus on maintenance and crew training – advanced ships need skilled operators.
The name Sanghamitra is a wonderful choice – reminds us of the rich cultural exchange between India and Sri Lanka. These OPVs will be crucial for anti-piracy missions in the Indian Ocean. However, I hope the Navy also considers deploying them for environmental monitoring and marine resource protection. Ships like these can do so much more than just patrol.
As someone who has worked on naval logistics, I can appreciate the value of a vessel that can also function as a hospital and provide fleet maintenance support. This isn't just a warship – it's a mobile base. Excellent engineering from GRSE. The P17A stealth frigate delivery on the same day as other ships is remarkable coordination.
It's great to see women being honored in these ceremonies – Sarita Vatsayan launching the ship adds a beautiful touch. But I think we should also discuss the cost and timeline. Are these ships being delivered on budget? With 8 ships delivered in a year
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.