The contract, valued at approximately ₹32,000 crore, was signed by Shri Dinesh Kumar, IAS, JS & AM (MS), Ministry of Defence & Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd), Director (Shipbuilding), GRSE, in the presence of Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Defence Secretary of India, Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, and other senior officials from Ministry of Defence, Indian Navy & GRSE.

GRSE had emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for the prestigious project. The signing of the contract marks a major step forward in strengthening India’s indigenous warship-building capabilities and advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

Building on its extensive experience in the construction of guided-missile and anti-submarine warfare corvettes, GRSE will now undertake the construction of these next-generation warships, which will feature enhanced capabilities, advanced sensors and sophisticated weapons systems. The project further reinforces the shipyard’s position as a key contributor to India’s maritime defence preparedness and indigenous warship design and construction.

The Next Generation Corvettes will measure 127 metres in length and 17.6 metres in beam, with a specified deadweight tonnage of 4,950 tonnes. The warships will have an endurance of 14 days at sea without replenishment and a maximum speed of 26 knots. Designed to accommodate 11 officers and 139 sailors, the vessels will be built to the classification requirements of a Naval Headquarters-approved classification society.

The corvettes will feature an advanced Combined Diesel and Gas Turbine–Cross-Connect (CODAG-CC) propulsion arrangement, driving two Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP). This propulsion architecture is designed to support the operational requirements of these versatile frontline combat platforms. Designed for a wide spectrum of maritime missions, the NGCs will undertake multi-role operations, including offensive ship-to-ship and ship-to-surface missile attacks, anti-missile defence, anti-submarine warfare, escort duties, maritime interdiction operations (MIO), including Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS), and local naval defence.

To support these missions, the warships will be equipped with an advanced suite of weapons, sensors and navigation systems. The proposed systems include Medium Range Anti-Ship Missiles, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) and 324 mm torpedo tubes. The armament suite will also include an OTO Melara 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) with the latest upgrade, an AK-630 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) and 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote-Controlled Guns (SRCGs) integrated with an Electro-Optic-based Fire Control System (EOFCS).

The sensor suite will include an Electro-Optical Infrared Search and Track (EOIRST) system and a Multi-Function Surveillance, Track and Guidance Radar (MFSTAR). The corvettes will also have helicopter-operating capabilities, enhancing their operational flexibility across a range of maritime scenarios.

The shipyard is currently building nine warships, including an advanced guided missile frigate under the Navy’s Project 17A, four ASW-SWCs and four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels. Apart from these, GRSE is executing orders for 36 other platforms, including 13 vessels for export. Over the past six decades, GRSE has established itself as one of India’s leading warship builders, with a distinguished track record of delivering 118 warships to the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and friendly foreign nations.

The Notification of Award (NOA) was received by GRSE on 30 July 2026 for the design, construction and delivery of the vessels.

The order marks a significant diversification of GRSE’s shipbuilding portfolio and reinforces the shipyard’s growing presence in the commercial and offshore vessel segment. The project is expected to contribute substantially to India’s offshore energy infrastructure while further strengthening the nation’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

The vessels will be designed and built-in accordance with the Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and will incorporate advanced technologies to support offshore exploration and production activities. With an overall length of approximately 80 metres, beam of 20 metres, deadweight capacity of 3,000 tonnes, endurance of 45+3 days and a clear deck area of about 650 square metres, the vessels will be capable of undertaking a wide range of offshore logistics and support missions.

A key highlight of the vessels is the incorporation of an advanced hybrid propulsion architecture, featuring electrically driven azimuth thrusters and a Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage System. The battery system will support peak load management, spinning reserve, dynamic positioning operations and emergency response functions, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

With over six decades of shipbuilding excellence, GRSE has built and delivered more than 800 platforms, including 118 warships, to the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and friendly foreign countries. The latest order further expands GRSE’s footprint in the commercial and offshore vessel market and underscores its capability to deliver technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable maritime solutions.

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Nair’s elevation comes at a crucial time as MDL plays a central role in key national programmes, including the Project-75(I) submarine initiative aimed at strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities. Her achievement reflects a broader cultural transformation within the PSU sector, where merit-based leadership and diversity are increasingly being recognised and encouraged. With roots tracing back to 1774, Mazagon Dock recently celebrated its 250th anniversary with commemorative events supported by the Ministry of Defence, making Nair’s appointment a fitting milestone in the shipyard’s rich legacy and an inspiration for future generations of women engineers and defence professionals.

The ground-breaking ceremony was inaugurated by Shri Shantanu Roy, CMD of BEML Ltd, in the esteemed presence of Shri Harish Duhan, CMD of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), along with Shri Anil Jerath, Director (Finance), and Shri Sanjay Som, Director (Mining & Construction), BEML Ltd, accompanied by senior officials from both organizations.

In order to facilitate seamless movement with the least chances of any crowding, seating enclosures and walkways are laid with wooden flooring and carpeting. Additional Door frame metal detectors, with adequately spaced markings have been provided to avoid queuing and to ensure smooth passage for all the invitees. Most of the parking areas have been brick lined and paved in order to ensure smooth entry and exit of vehicles to the maximum feasible extent.

Members of the Guard of Honour have been under quarantine to bring in safety.

The guiding principle for seating has been “Do Gaz kiDoori” (or 6 feet between any two guests seated during the event.

Participation is only through invitation and members who do not have formal invites are requested to refrain from coming to the venue. About 4000 plus invites have been issued to officials, diplomats, members of public, media etc.

With an eye on safety, NCC Cadets have been invited to witness the event(instead of young school children) and they will be seated at Gyanpath.

In order to sensitize the invitees towards COVID related safety measures, specific Advisory for following the COVID related guidelines has been issued along with each invitation card. A REQUEST card for the invitee to exhibit restraint and patience during dispersal after conclusion of the function would be placed on each seat in this regard. Announcement in this connection will be made from the commentary booth from time to time. Traffic Police advisory will also contain a NOTE on the matter. An orderly dispersal plan has been put in place for implementation through the controlling officials in various enclosures. In this regard, cooperation of all invitees will be earnestly and consistently requested.

Ceremonial drills have also factored due social distancing norms as well as other precautionary measures.

Adequate medical booths at four locations, 1 near the Rampart, 1 in Madhavdas Park and 2 in 15 August Park have been set up to cater to any attendee who is detected having any symptoms related to COVID-19 during entry. Ambulances would also be stationed at these four locations.

Thermal screening at all entry points for the invitees has been planned. Thorough sanitization of the premises inside and outside the Red Fort is being carried out on a regular basis.

All invitees have been requested to wear masks. In addition, adequate number of suitable masks are being kept handy for distribution at various points of venue. Similarly, availability of hand sanitizers at pre-defined locations has been done. Display boards are placed discreetly to attract the attention of invitees.

Floral arrangements at Gyanpath behind the NCC Cadets have been made in order to enhance the visual appeal of the area.

Women SSC officers were till now allowed Permanent Commission only in the Judge and Advocate General (JAG) and Army Educational Corps (AEC) branches.

The Government Sanction Letter, paving the way for women officers shouldering larger roles in the organisation, specifies grant of PC to SSC women officers in eight additional streams of the Army: Army Air Defence (AAD), Signals, Engineers, Army Aviation, Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), Army Service Corps (ASC), Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) and Intelligence Corps.

The Army Headquarters has set in motion a series of preparatory actions for the conduct of the Permanent Commission Selection Board for Women Officers. The Selection Board will be set up as soon as all SSC women officers exercise their option and complete the requisite documentation.

The directive will apply to those who had joined as SSC officers, but were not given an option during their service tenure to opt for Permanent Commission.

Their male counterparts from same batches and streams went on to become PC officers. The SSC officers – men or women – join for a period of 10 or 14 years following which an option is given for becoming Permanent Commission officers.