GRSE Launches First Next-Gen Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Sanghmitra’ for Indian Navy

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd on Wednesday has launched “Sanghmitra”, the first of four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels it is building for the Indian Navy. The launch at GRSE’s Kolkata yard adds another milestone to the Defence PSU’s record run, after it delivered eight ships in 2025-26 including three warships on a single day in March. The warship was launched by Sarita Vatsayan, wife of Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, who was the Chief Guest at the ceremony.Authority claims, the name “Sanghmitra” meaning “friend of the community,” also recalls Emperor Ashoka’s eldest daughter who travelled to Sri Lanka in the 3rd Century BC to spread the teachings of Lord Buddha. Far larger than earlier OPVs, the NGOPVs

will displace 3,000 tons and measure 113 metres in length. With a top speed of 23 knots and endurance of 8,500 nautical miles, the ships are designed for high versatility. Their shallow 4-metre draught will allow coastal operations, while their systems are built to handle maritime interdiction, VBSS, surveillance, mine warfare, anti-piracy, and special operations. Beyond combat, they will also serve in HADR missions, non-combatant evacuation, search and rescue, and can function as hospital or COMINT ships.Key specs:- Length: 113 metres - Width: 14.6 metres - Displacement: 3,000 tons - Max speed: 23 knots - Endurance: 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots - Draught: Just 4 metres, enabling coastal operationsMulti-Mission Capability-Designed for wide-ranging roles, the NGOPVs will handle:- Maritime security: Protecting offshore assets, maritime interdiction, VBSS operations - Surveillance & mine warfare: Presence-cum-surveillance missions, support to special operations - Out-of-area ops: Non-combatant evacuation, convoy escort, anti-piracy, counter-infiltration - HADR & support roles: Humanitarian assistance, search & rescue, hospital ship, COMINT platform, fleet maintenance support - Law enforcement: Anti-poaching and anti-trafficking missionsVice Admiral Vatsayan called the NGOPV project “considerably significant” for the Navy’s evolving role in maintaining a stable maritime environment, and praised GRSE for delivering eight ships last financial year. GRSE CMD Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd) said the launch kicks off 2026-27 for the yard, with multiple launches and deliveries planned this year. GRSE, which built India’s first export warship _MCGS Barracuda_ in 2014, has delivered 118 warships so far - the highest by any Indian shipyard.