INS Shruti launched at GRSE: Navy's second NGOPV joins fleet
Synopsis
GRSE launched the NGOPV Shruti in Kolkata on 11 August — the second of four next-gen patrol vessels for the Indian Navy, each displacing 3,000 tonnes and capable of 23-knot speeds across a dozen mission roles. Even as deliveries accelerate, GRSE's CMD has openly flagged a shrinking order book once the current batch ships out, betting on the Next Generation Corvette contract to keep the yard running at capacity.
Key Takeaways
GRSE launched the NGOPV Shruti at its Kolkata shipyard on 11 August , the second of four such vessels ordered by the Indian Navy .
The first NGOPV, Sanghmitra , was launched on 20 May this year; the two remaining NGOPVs are expected to be launched by end of FY2026-27 .
GRSE plans to deliver five warships — including the frigate Vindhyagiri and four ASWSWCs — by the end of financial year 2026-27 .
Each NGOPV will be 113 metres long, displace 3,000 tonnes , and achieve speeds of up to 23 knots with an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles .
GRSE CMD Cmde P R Hari flagged concern over a thinning order book once current deliveries are completed, citing the anticipated Next Generation Corvette order as a potential lifeline.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) launched the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) Shruti at its shipyard in Kolkata on Tuesday, 11 August, marking the second of four such vessels being built for the Indian Navy. The launch ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, who attended as chief guest, with the vessel being launched by his wife, Manika Sadhu, amid Vedic rituals and the chanting of shlokas.
GRSE's Warship Delivery Pipeline
Commodore P R Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, announced that the shipbuilder plans to deliver five warships to the Navy by the end of financial year 2026-27. The vessels slated for delivery include the advanced stealth guided missile frigate Vindhyagiri and four Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASWSWCs). The two remaining NGOPVs are also expected to be launched within the same period.
Shruti follows the first NGOPV, Sanghmitra, which was launched on 20 May this year. GRSE is currently building nine warships in total, including the four NGOPVs.
Capabilities of the Next Generation Patrol Vessel
The NGOPVs represent a significant upgrade over earlier Offshore Patrol Vessels in both size and capability. Each vessel will measure approximately 113 metres in length and 14.6 metres in width, with a displacement of 3,000 tonnes. They are designed to achieve speeds of up to 23 knots and carry an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots.
With a draught requirement of just 4 metres, the NGOPVs are suited for coastal water operations. They will be equipped with advanced sensors and systems, enabling roles ranging from offshore asset protection and maritime interdiction to Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations.
Multi-Role Mission Profile
The NGOPVs are designed for a broad spectrum of naval tasks. These include presence-cum-surveillance missions, mine warfare, and support for special operations. They will also be capable of participating in Out-of-Area Contingency Operations, non-combatant evacuation, convoy escort, anti-piracy patrols, and counter-infiltration missions.
Additionally, the vessels can function as hospital ships and COMINT (communications intelligence) platforms, and will support humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and search and rescue operations — making them among the most versatile surface assets in the Navy's patrol fleet.
Order Book Concern Flagged by GRSE Chief
Despite the milestone, Cmde Hari flagged a concern over the absence of fresh orders from the Navy and the Coast Guard. 'Our core business is warship building. Once we have delivered the five warships, our order book for naval platforms will come down significantly. This is a matter of concern. However, I am sure that things will look up with the order for the Next Generation Corvettes,' he said.
The remarks point to a structural challenge in India's defence shipbuilding ecosystem — where delivery timelines and new contract cycles do not always align, leaving yards in a capacity overhang. Whether the anticipated Next Generation Corvette order materialises in time to bridge the gap will be closely watched by the industry.
Point of View
But Cmde Hari's candid order-book warning is the more consequential signal. India's defence shipbuilding push has long suffered from feast-or-famine contracting — yards are loaded with work for years, then face a cliff once deliveries conclude. GRSE's dependence on a single anticipated contract, the Next Generation Corvette, to sustain its naval pipeline is precisely the kind of planning gap that the Ministry of Defence's long-term procurement roadmap was meant to address. If the corvette order slips, so does one of India's most capable domestic shipbuilders.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NGOPV Shruti launched by GRSE?
Shruti is the second of four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for the Indian Navy. It was launched at the GRSE shipyard in Kolkata on 11 August and is a 3,000-tonne, 113-metre vessel designed for a wide range of patrol and maritime security missions.
How many warships will GRSE deliver by 2026-27?
GRSE plans to deliver five warships to the Indian Navy by the end of financial year 2026-27. These include the advanced stealth guided missile frigate Vindhyagiri and four Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASWSWCs).
What are the key capabilities of the NGOPV?
The NGOPVs are 113 metres long and displace 3,000 tonnes, with a top speed of 23 knots and an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots. They can operate in coastal waters with a 4-metre draught and are equipped for roles including maritime interdiction, anti-piracy, mine warfare, special operations support, and humanitarian assistance.
What concern did the GRSE CMD raise at the launch?
Commodore P R Hari flagged that GRSE's naval order book will shrink significantly once the current batch of five warships is delivered, as no fresh orders have been received from the Navy or Coast Guard. He expressed hope that an order for Next Generation Corvettes would fill the gap.
What was the first NGOPV launched by GRSE?
The first NGOPV, named Sanghmitra, was launched on 20 May this year. Shruti, launched on 11 August, is the second; the two remaining NGOPVs are expected to be launched before the end of financial year 2026-27.
