Coming less than three months after the launch of Sanghmitra, the first NGOPV from GRSE, on 20 May 26, the occasion reflects the steady momentum achieved by GRSE in executing this prestigious programme.

GRSE is constructing four NGOPVs as part of the Indian Navy’s 11-ship NGOPV programme. The newly launched warship, named ‘Shruti’, was formally launched by Smt. Manika Sadhu, wife of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition (CWP&A), Indian Navy, amidst traditional rituals and the chanting of Vedic shlokas. Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The others present at the occasion were Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE along with Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN(Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding), Capt (IN) P Sunilkumar, (Retd.), Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel), Shri Niranjan Bhalerao, Director (Finance), Shri Abhishek Ranjan, IOFS, CVO and other senior officials of Indian Navy and GRSE.

The name ‘Shruti’ means “that which is heard”. In the Indian tradition, the term ‘Shruti’ is used to refer to the four Vedas, the ancient scriptures that have been preserved through oral tradition over generations and occupy a central place in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

The NGOPVs are significantly larger and more capable than the Offshore Patrol Vessels built earlier, offering enhanced endurance, firepower and operational versatility. Measuring about 113 metres in length and 14.6 metres in width, with a displacement of 3,000 Tons, they will achieve speeds of up to 23 knots and have an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots.

Designed for a wide range of maritime operations, the NGOPVs will undertake coastal and offshore asset protection, maritime interdiction, surveillance, VBSS (visit, board, search and seizure), mine warfare and special operations. They will also be deployed for Out of Area Contingency Operations, anti-piracy, counter-infiltration, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), search and rescue missions, besides supporting hospital, COMINT and fleet maintenance roles.

Vice Admiral Sadhu mentioned, “The Navy’s responsibility is not only to defend our national interests; it is also to ensure freedom of navigation, security of our sea lanes, and the uninterrupted flow of energy and essential goods to and from India. Over the last decade, thanks to the Government and its important policy initiatives, we have made remarkable progress in creating a vibrant and increasingly technologically advanced defence manufacturing and shipbuilding ecosystem. And in this journey, ladies and gentlemen, GRSE has occupied a very, very special place. In 1961, GRSE delivered INS Ajay to us. It was the first indigenously built platform. Since then, over the last several decades, the Indian Navy has received more than 110 warships from GRSE, while GRSE has built over 800 ships and platforms for the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, export customers and other countries. On account of all these accomplishments, GRSE was also accorded Navratna status in June 2026, which I think is a great honour and recognition of the consistent vision, hard work and steadfast commitment of its personnel, both past and present. The launch of Shruti today is yet another reflection of the professionalism, competence and commitment of Team GRSE.”

Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, highlighted the expansion plans of the shipyard and its commitment to Atmanirbharta and self-reliance.

He also said, “Shruti, as she shall be named in a few moments from now, belongs to the Naval Ship of Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel project, of which four vessels are being constructed by GRSE. Unlike her predecessors, the Sukanya class OPVs or the indigenously built Saryu class OPVs, these ships are much larger, have much longer endurance and are packed with state-of-the-art equipment and sensors, not to mention a potent weapon fit. While the entire shipyard is brimming with activity, last year was an exciting year for us, when we delivered eight warships and launched one warship. This year shall be equally exciting, when we will deliver five warships and launch four vessels”.

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.

The others present at the occasion were senior officials from GRSE and the Indian Navy.
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 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, 30 Mar 26.

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 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. 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,” he said.

Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman & 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.

This ship is part of a larger government plan to build 11 advanced patrol vessels at shipyards in Goa and Kolkata to protect India’s waters. Once ready, Sanghmitra will be used for important missions like stopping sea pirates, monitoring coastlines, protecting offshore oil rigs, and helping with search and rescue operations during natural disasters. Defense officials highlighted that building this ship locally is a major success for India’s “Make in India” goals, proving that the nation is becoming completely self-reliant in manufacturing its own powerful military hardware.