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Indian Navy's Second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Shruti' Launched by GRSE in Kolkata

On 11 August 2026, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) launched 'Shruti', the second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) of the Indian Navy. Part of an 11-ship programme valued at ₹9,781 crore signed in March 2023, Shruti is one of four NGOPVs being built by GRSE, complementing seven vessels by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Measuring 113 meters long with a displacement of 3,000 tonnes, Shruti has a top speed of 23 knots and an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots. The NGOPVs enhance India's indigenous naval capabilities and maritime security, performing roles like coastal surveillance, anti-piracy, and protection of sea lanes.

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Key Facts

  • Launch Date: 11 August 2026
  • Shipyard: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd, Kolkata
  • Programme: Indian Navy's NGOPV 11-ship project; contract signed 30 March 2023, ₹9,781 crore
  • Ship Specifications: Length 113 m, Beam 14.6 m, Displacement 3,000 tonnes
  • Performance: Maximum speed 23 knots, Endurance 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots
  • Operational Roles: Offshore patrol, coastal security, maritime surveillance, anti-piracy, VBSS operations
  • Shipbuilders: GRSE building 4 ships including Shruti; Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) building 7 ships
  • Formal launch ceremony conducted by Manika Sadhu, wife of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition

Background & Context

The NGOPV programme is a major indigenous naval shipbuilding initiative under the Indian Ministry of Defence to enhance the Indian Navy's offshore patrol capacity and maritime security. The ₹9,781 crore contract for 11 ships was awarded jointly to GRSE and GSL in March 2023. The vessels are designed to perform a multitude of roles including extended maritime surveillance, protection of offshore assets, anti-piracy patrols, humanitarian assistance, search and rescue, and low-intensity maritime operations. Shruti is the second NGOPV launched by GRSE, following the first, Sanghmitra, launched on 20 May 2026. Concurrently, GSL launched the first NGOPV of the programme, Shachi, on 31 March 2026.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This project features prominently in discussions on India's defence modernization, self-reliant naval shipbuilding under 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', and enhanced maritime security capabilities. Key details such as programme size, contract value, manufacturers, vessel specifications, and launch dates are relevant for competitive exams covering current affairs or defence topics.

Points to Remember

  • 'Shruti' is the 2nd NGOPV launched by GRSE, on 11 August 2026.
  • The NGOPV contract for 11 ships was signed on 30 March 2023, valued at ₹9,781 crore.
  • GRSE is building 4 NGOPVs, GSL building 7 NGOPVs under the same programme.
  • Vessel specs: approximately 113 meters length, 3,000 tonnes displacement, max speed 23 knots, endurance 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots.
  • Roles include maritime surveillance, coastal security, anti-piracy, VBSS operations, and protection of sea lines of communication.
  • The NGOPVs enhance India’s indigenous naval platform production capabilities and align with strategic doctrines focused on Indian Ocean security.
  • Related vessels: 'Sanghmitra' (GRSE launched May 2026), 'Shachi' (GSL launched March 2026).
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