Navy’s First NGMV Keel Laid at Cochin Shipyard
Why in the news
The keel of the first Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) for the Indian Navy was laid at Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi, on 18 September 2026, a milestone in the indigenous warship programme.
Key facts
- Contract: six NGMVs ordered under a ₹9,804 crore contract with the Ministry of Defence in March 2023.
- Weapons: BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles from two bow-mounted launchers, the VL-SRSAM anti-missile system, a 76mm gun and a stern close-in weapon system.
- Performance: maximum speed 33 knots; crew about 80.
- Propulsion: a GE LM2500 gas turbine driving three waterjets.
- Delivery: first ship initially planned for early 2027.
About the NGMV class
NGMVs are meant to replace the ageing Veer-class missile boats and older corvettes. They are being built by Cochin Shipyard in Kochi and carry a BEL X-band multi-function radar.
Exam angle
- Keel laying is the formal start of a ship’s construction.
- Remember: NGMV, Cochin Shipyard, six ships, ₹9,804 crore.
- BrahMos and VL-SRSAM appear often in defence static questions.