Cochin Shipyard lays keel for Navy’s next generation missile vessels

• The Cochin Shipyard Limited laid the keel for the first of six Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV) being built for the Indian Navy on September 18.

• The keel laying marks a significant milestone in the construction of the vessel and symbolises the formal commencement of its construction.

• The contract for construction of six NGMVs was concluded with CSL in March 2023.

• The project marks CSL’s entry into the construction of advanced weapon-intensive platforms for the Indian Navy.

• The NGMVs are envisaged as high-speed vessels equipped with an array of weapons and sensors, including surface-to-surface missile systems, anti-missile defence systems, air surveillance radars and fire control radars.

• The primary role of the vessels would be to provide offensive capability against enemy warships, merchantmen and land targets. 

• They would be capable of conducting maritime strike and anti-surface warfare operations and serve as a potent sea-denial platform against enemy ships, particularly at choke points.

• In a defensive role, the vessels would be deployed for local naval defence operations and seaward defence of offshore development areas.

• The vessels will also be equipped with advanced integrated platform management systems, propulsion and auxiliary machinery, power generation and distribution systems and damage-control machinery.

• Each vessel will have a complement of 80 personnel and a maximum speed of 33 knots.