Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS) Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, second left, with his wife Sarita Vatsayan, second right, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers(GRSE) Chairman and Managing Director Commodore PR Hari (Retd.), left, during the launch ceremony of India’s first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) Yard 3039 by GRSE Ltd, in Kolkata
| Photo Credit:
PTI/Manvender Vashist Lav
Looking to fullfill its long term strategic requirements, Indian Navy is expected to acquire 45 ships in next 3 to 4 years as it pushes to reach the much-need fleet strength of at least 200 ships by 2035.The Indian Navy has 45 ships under various stages of construction in India today and will be delivered over the next 3-4 years, Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsyan said on Wednesday after the launch of ‘Sanghamitra’, the first of four next-generation offshore patrol vessels (NGOPVs) being built by the Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd for the Navy.Talking about the future programme, Vice Admiral Vatsyan stated, “We have got Acceptance of Necessity (nod) for another 69 ships, six submarines and another 120 Fast Interceptor Crafts.”“There is a very big opportunity for the entire defence building ecosystem to deliver quality products in time with the capabilities required by the Indian Navy,” he added. The Ministry of Defence is actively pursuing to become atmanirbhar in production of ships required for the Navy for securing Indo-Pacific and transition into a dominant-blue-water Navy.By 2030, the Navy wants to increase its fleet strength to at least 155 to 160 from the existing about 130 odd vessels it has. In the next five years, the Navy projects to grow to become a 200 ship maritime force.Addressing an event at the GRSE facility in Kolkata as the chief guest, Vice Admiral Vatsayan said the Indian Navy has evolved into a force committed not only to combat preparedness but also to maintaining a stable maritime environment through cooperation, presence and operational readiness.“In this broader context, the next-generation offshore patrol vessel project holds considerable significance,” he said.The GRSE, according to him, has delivering eight ships to the Navy during the last financial year. The NGOPVs are significantly larger and more capable than conventional offshore patrol vessels, with enhanced endurance and firepower, officials said.The vessel measures around 113 metres in length and 14.6 metres in width, with a displacement of 3,000 tonnes, they said. The ship, they added, has an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots and can achieve a maximum speed of 23 knots.The NGOPVs will also undertake surveillance and mine warfare missions and support special operations, officials said.Published on May 21, 2026
