Kolkata20 minutes agoAuthor: Tirthankar Das
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), has added another milestone to its shipbuilding legacy with the launch of ‘Shruti’, the second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) being built by the shipyard for the Indian Navy. The vessel was launched on August 11, 2026.
‘Shruti’ follows first vessel ‘Sanghmitra’
The launch comes less than three months after ‘Sanghmitra’, the first NGOPV built by GRSE, was launched on May 20, 2026, highlighting the shipyard’s steady progress in executing the prestigious programme.
Launch highlights GRSE’s steady programme progress
GRSE is constructing four NGOPVs as part of the Indian Navy’s 11-ship NGOPV programme. The newly launched vessel, named ‘Shruti’, was formally launched by Smt. Manika Sadhu, wife of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition (CWP&A), Indian Navy.
The ceremony was held in accordance with traditional rituals and included the chanting of Vedic shlokas. Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu attended the event as the Chief Guest.
Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu attends ceremony
The event was attended by Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, along with Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding); Capt. (IN) P SunilKumar (Retd.), Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel); Shri Niranjan Bhalerao, Director (Finance); Shri Abhishek Ranjan, IOFS, CVO; and other senior officials from the Indian Navy and GRSE.
‘Shruti’ name carries ancient Vedic significance
The name ‘Shruti’ means “that which is heard”. In Indian tradition, the term refers to the four Vedas, ancient scriptures preserved through oral traditions across generations and holding a significant place in the country’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
NGOPVs offer enhanced endurance and firepower
The NGOPVs are considerably larger and more capable than the Offshore Patrol Vessels previously constructed by GRSE. They offer enhanced endurance, firepower and operational flexibility. Each vessel is approximately 113 metres long and 14.6 metres wide, with a displacement of around 3,000 tonnes.
The vessels can attain speeds of up to 23 knots and have an endurance of approximately 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots.
Vessels enhance Indian Navy operational reach
Designed to undertake a diverse range of maritime missions, the NGOPVs will be deployed for coastal and offshore asset protection, maritime interdiction, surveillance, VBSS (visit, board, search and seizure), mine warfare, and special operations.
They will also be capable of supporting Out-of-Area Contingency Operations, further strengthening the Indian Navy’s operational reach and maritime capabilities.
