Steel cutting begins for second Next Generation Missile Vessel at Cochin Shipyard
New Delhi, Sep 18. Construction of the second ship under the Indian Navy’s Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project formally commenced with the ‘Steel Cutting’ ceremony at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, on September 17.
Rear Admiral Kapil Mehta, Assistant Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, was the chief guest at the ceremony, which was attended by senior officials from the Indian Navy and CSL.
The contract for construction of the NGMVs was signed with CSL in March 2023. The vessels are being designed to carry advanced weapons and sensor systems, which are expected to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities.
The NGMVs are part of the Navy’s efforts to build a modern and combat-ready force capable of operating in an increasingly complex maritime environment, particularly across the Indian Ocean Region.
A key feature of the programme is the indigenous development and manufacture of major role-defining equipment for the vessels. According to the Defence Ministry, the effort reflects India’s growing capabilities in defence manufacturing and aligns with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India), ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ initiatives.
The construction programme is also aimed at strengthening the domestic warship-building ecosystem while contributing to the Navy’s long-term plans for a technologically advanced and self-reliant fleet.
