GRSE launches NGOPV Sanghamitra, India's next-gen patrol warship
Synopsis
GRSE has launched Sanghamitra, the first of four next-generation offshore patrol vessels ordered by the Indian Navy — a 3,000-ton, 113-metre warship designed for everything from anti-piracy to COMINT missions. The launch caps a record year in which GRSE delivered eight ships, including three warship classes on a single day.
Key Takeaways
GRSE launched the first NGOPV 'Sanghamitra' in Kolkata on 20 May 2025 .
A total of four NGOPVs are being built by GRSE for the Indian Navy .
Each vessel is 113 metres long, displaces 3,000 tons , and has an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots.
GRSE delivered eight ships in the financial year ending March 2026, including three warship classes on a single day — 30 March 2026 .
GRSE has built and delivered a record 118 warships to India's maritime forces to date.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd launched its first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), christened 'Sanghamitra', on 20 May 2025 in Kolkata, marking a significant milestone in India's indigenously driven naval shipbuilding programme. The launch adds to GRSE's record of having built and delivered 118 warships to the country's maritime forces.
The Launch Ceremony
The vessel was ceremonially launched by Sarita Vatsayan, wife of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy, amid the chanting of Vedic shlokas. Vice Admiral Vatsayan served as Chief Guest at the occasion. Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the shipyard's expanding technological capabilities.
The name Sanghamitra — meaning 'friend of the community' — carries deep historical resonance. It was borne by the eldest daughter of Emperor Ashoka, who is said to have travelled to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC to propagate the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Specifications and Capabilities
The NGOPVs represent a generational leap over earlier offshore patrol vessels in terms of size, endurance, and firepower. Each vessel will be approximately 113 metres long and 14.6 metres wide, with a displacement of 3,000 tons. They are designed to achieve speeds of up to 23 knots and sustain an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots.
With a draught requirement of only 4 metres, the NGOPVs will be capable of operating in shallow coastal waters — a critical advantage for littoral operations. GRSE is building a total of four such vessels for the Indian Navy under this programme.
Operational Roles
The NGOPVs are designed for a wide spectrum of missions. These include protecting offshore assets, maritime interdiction, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations, presence-cum-surveillance, mine warfare, and support for special operations. Beyond combat roles, the vessels will participate in anti-piracy missions, counter-infiltration, convoy operations, and non-combatant evacuation.
Notably, the warships are also configured to function as hospital ships and COMINT (communications intelligence) platforms, and will provide fleet maintenance support — underscoring the versatility India is building into its next generation of patrol assets.
GRSE's Track Record
The launch comes on the back of a landmark year for GRSE. In the financial year ending March 2026, the shipyard delivered eight ships in a single year — including the simultaneous delivery of three warships of different classes on 30 March 2026: a P17A stealth frigate, a Survey Vessel (Large), and an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft.
GRSE also holds the distinction of building the OPV MCGS Barracuda, India's first warship export, delivered to Mauritius in 2014 — an achievement recognised with the Defence Minister's Award of Excellence for in-house design.
What the Navy and GRSE Said
Vice Admiral Vatsayan commended GRSE's consistent delivery record and underscored the strategic importance of the NGOPV programme. '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,' he said.
'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,' the Vice Admiral added.
Cmde PR Hari said the shipyard was 'kickstarting 2026-27 with the launch of this vessel,' and confirmed that 'this year too will see multiple launches and deliveries.' With the NGOPV programme now in active build phase, India's coastal and blue-water patrol capabilities are set for a substantial upgrade in the years ahead.
Point of View
Spanning COMINT, hospital support, and special operations, reflects a doctrine shift toward persistent, flexible maritime presence rather than episodic deployment. GRSE's delivery of eight ships in a single year is operationally significant, but the harder test is whether the four NGOPVs enter service on schedule — India's shipbuilding timelines have historically slipped. The Sanghamitra launch also quietly reinforces India's export ambitions: a proven NGOPV design, backed by GRSE's Barracuda track record, could find buyers among Indian Ocean littoral states.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NGOPV Sanghamitra launched by GRSE?
Sanghamitra is India's first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel, launched by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata on 20 May 2025. It is the first of four such vessels being built for the Indian Navy, measuring 113 metres in length with a 3,000-ton displacement.
What are the capabilities of the NGOPV?
The NGOPV can operate in coastal and deep-water environments, reaching speeds of up to 23 knots with an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots. Its roles include anti-piracy, maritime interdiction, VBSS operations, mine warfare, special operations support, and functioning as a hospital or COMINT ship.
Why is the name Sanghamitra significant?
Sanghamitra means 'friend of the community' and was the name of Emperor Ashoka's eldest daughter, who travelled to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC to spread Buddhism. The name reflects both a humanitarian ethos and a deep historical connection to India's maritime heritage.
What is GRSE's track record in warship building?
GRSE has built and delivered 118 warships to India's maritime forces. In the financial year ending March 2026, it delivered eight ships — including three warship classes simultaneously on 30 March 2026. It also built India's first warship export, the OPV MCGS Barracuda, delivered to Mauritius in 2014.
How does the NGOPV differ from earlier offshore patrol vessels?
The NGOPV is significantly larger, more capable, and better armed than earlier OPVs. At 113 metres and 3,000 tons, it offers greater endurance, higher firepower, and a broader mission envelope — including roles such as hospital ship and COMINT platform — that earlier OPVs did not support.
