Defence Ministry signs contract for 11 next generation OPVs

Tags: Defence National News

The Defense Ministry on 30 March signed contracts with Indian shipyards worth Rs 19,600 crore for the acquisition of 11 next-generation offshore patrol vessels 

(OPVs) and six next-generation missile vessels.

An overview of the news

• The contract for the acquisition of 11 OPVs under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category was signed with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) of Kolkata for a total of Rs 9,781 crore.

• Out of 11 next generation offshore patrol vessels, 7 vessels will be built by GSL and 4 vessels by GRSE.

• These ships will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured. Delivery of the vessels will begin in September 2026.

• The acquisition of these ships will enable the Indian Navy to maintain its combat capability and meet various operational requirements.

• Indian Navy's anti-piracy, counter-infiltration, anti-poaching, anti-trafficking, non-combatant evacuation operations, search and rescue (SAR), security of offshore assets etc. will be strengthened.

• A contract was signed with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the acquisition of six Next Generation Missile Ships (NGMVs) at a cost of Rs 9,805 crore. The deliveries of these ships will commence from March 2027.