Indian Navy Strengthens Patrol Fleet With New Ship Shruti

Shruti Joins the NGOPV Programme

Indian Navy Strengthens Patrol Fleet With New Ship Shruti: The Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) launched Shruti, the Indian Navy’s second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), at its Kolkata shipyard on August 11, 2026.

The vessel has been designated Yard 3037 and is being constructed as part of a larger programme aimed at strengthening India’s maritime surveillance and coastal security capabilities.

Static GK fact: GRSE is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, and is a major Indian public-sector shipbuilder under the Ministry of Defence.

Launch Ceremony at Kolkata

The launch ceremony was attended by senior representatives of the Indian Navy, Ministry of Defence and GRSE. Mrs Manika Sadhu, wife of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, performed the formal launching of the vessel.

Shruti’s launch represents another step towards increasing the Indian Navy’s fleet of domestically built patrol vessels.

Second NGOPV From GRSE

Shruti follows Sanghmitra, the first NGOPV launched by GRSE under the programme. Sanghmitra was launched on May 20, 2026, making the launch of Shruti less than three months later.

The rapid progress highlights GRSE’s effort to maintain an accelerated construction schedule for the next-generation patrol vessels.

Static GK Tip: An offshore patrol vessel (OPV) is generally designed for extended maritime patrol, surveillance, protection of maritime interests and other security duties rather than high-intensity frontline naval combat.

About the NGOPV Programme

The NGOPV programme involves 11 vessels being constructed at Indian shipyards for the Indian Navy. The programme is intended to strengthen India’s ability to monitor its extensive maritime domain and respond to different maritime-security requirements.

GRSE is constructing four vessels under the programme, while Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) is also participating in the shipbuilding effort.

Role in Maritime Security

Next-generation patrol vessels can perform important duties such as maritime surveillance, coastal security and monitoring of India’s waters. Their deployment can help the Navy maintain a stronger presence across areas requiring continuous observation.

Such vessels are particularly relevant for a country with a long coastline and significant maritime interests across the Indian Ocean Region.

GRSE and Naval Indigenisation

The construction of NGOPVs at Indian shipyards supports the broader objective of indigenisation of defence production.

GRSE has built numerous warships and vessels for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. Its participation in the NGOPV programme therefore contributes to developing domestic shipbuilding capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign sources.

Four NGOPVs Under GRSE

GRSE is responsible for four of the 11 NGOPVs under the programme. The first two associated with the shipyard are Sanghmitra and Shruti.

Two additional NGOPVs being constructed by GRSE are expected to be launched by the end of financial year 2026–27, further expanding the Navy’s next-generation patrol fleet.

Significance for India

The launch of Shruti strengthens India’s focus on maritime domain awareness, indigenous naval construction and coastal security.

The programme also demonstrates the growing role of Indian shipyards in supplying modern vessels to the country’s armed forces, supporting the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

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Indian Navy Strengthens Patrol Fleet With New Ship Shruti: