The Indian Navy has revealed that a steel-cutting ceremony for the first next-generation missile vessel was held at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
As informed, the ceremony took place on December 16, 2024. The NGMVs will be equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, enhancing the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities as “a future-ready and combat-ready force”.
The ships will be high-speed vessels, armed with surface-to-surface missiles, anti-missile defense systems, and air surveillance and fire control radars. The primary role of the ships would be to provide offensive capability against enemy warships, merchantmen, and land targets.
Their construction underscores India’s commitment to building “a strong, modern Navy for the Indian Ocean Region”.
To recall, the contract for the construction of six NGMVs was concluded with CSL in March 2023, and the ships’ induction into the Indian Navy is planned from 2027 onwards.
The navy also signed a deal for eleven next-generation offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).
American engine supplier GE Aerospace has been contracted to supply its LM2500 for the NGMV.
Six LM2500 marine gas turbine engine kits will be delivered by GE Aerospace for assembly and test by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Industrial and Marine Gas Turbine Division in Bangalore, India. Additionally, GE Aerospace will be supplying its composite base and enclosure and full complement of gas turbine auxiliary systems.