New Delhi, March 31. The Indian Navy’s first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), ‘Shachi’, was launched at Goa Shipyard Limited in Goa on March 31 marking a key milestone in India’s indigenous warship construction programme.
The vessel, Yard 1280, was ceremonially launched by Shagun Sobti in the presence of Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, amid full naval traditions. Senior officials from the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Defence, and the shipyard attended the event.
The NGOPV project involves the parallel construction of 11 vessels at Goa Shipyard Limited and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers. Once inducted, these indigenously designed ships will strengthen the Navy’s existing fleet of offshore patrol vessels and naval offshore patrol vessels, enhancing capabilities across a wide spectrum of maritime roles.
Designed for multi-domain operations, the NGOPVs will undertake missions including maritime defence and surveillance, search and rescue, protection of offshore assets, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and anti-piracy operations.
The ships in this class draw their names from Indian mythology. The lead vessel, ‘Shachi’, signifies one who offers assistance. The NGOPV crest features the constellation Ursa Major alongside a red-and-white lighthouse, symbolising vigilance and guidance at sea.
The launch underscores the Indian Navy’s continued push towards indigenous shipbuilding and aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
