NE DEFENCE BUREAU
KOCHI, SEP 19
The Indian Navy’s next-generation maritime strike capability has moved another step closer to reality with the keel laying of the first Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
The ‘Keel Laying’ Ceremony of the #IndianNavy’s first ship of the Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project was held at @cslcochin, Kochi, on 18 Sep 26.
VAdm Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, was the Chief Guest. Senior officials from #IndianNavy… pic.twitter.com/u4x7JaTBed
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) September 19, 2026
The keel-laying ceremony, held on Saturday, marked the formal commencement of construction of the first vessel under the NGMV project. Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, was the Chief Guest. Senior officials of the Indian Navy and CSL attended the ceremony.
- Keel laid for the first Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV), marking a major milestone in the Indian Navy’s future fleet modernisation drive
- Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is building the NGMVs under a contract concluded with the Ministry of Defence in March 2023
- Advanced weapons and sensors are set to give the vessels enhanced combat capability in an increasingly complex maritime environment
- Indigenously developed and manufactured major role-defining equipment strengthens the Navy’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India push
New-generation missile vessels for a combat-ready Navy
The NGMV programme is envisaged as a significant addition to the Indian Navy’s future fleet architecture. The vessels are planned to be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, designed to substantially enhance their combat capabilities.
The programme is part of the Navy’s continuing effort to build a “Future Ready and Combat Ready Force”, capable of responding to evolving maritime security challenges and operating effectively across the increasingly complex waters of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
CSL contract signed in 2023
The contract for construction of the NGMVs was concluded with Cochin Shipyard Limited in March 2023. The keel laying of the first ship represents a key construction milestone and further deepens CSL’s role in India’s expanding indigenous warship-building ecosystem.
The project also reflects the growing technological and industrial capabilities of India’s domestic defence sector, with major role-defining equipment being indigenously developed and manufactured.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat at sea
Beyond fleet expansion, the NGMV project carries a wider strategic significance for India’s defence manufacturing ambitions. The increasing share of indigenous equipment in frontline naval platforms supports the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Make for the World.
With advanced missile vessels being added to the Navy’s future order of battle, the programme is expected to contribute to India’s ability to maintain a modern, technologically advanced and combat-ready maritime force in the Indian Ocean Region.
