Keel Laid for Indian Navy’s First Next Generation Missile Vessel at Cochin Shipyard

KOCHI: The Indian Navy reached a significant milestone in its fleet modernization program with the keel laying ceremony of the first ship of the Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project. The event took place at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on September 18, 2026.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, presided over the ceremony as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by senior leadership from both the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Limited, marking the formal commencement of the vessel's construction phase.

The NGMV project, for which the contract was signed in March 2023, is designed to provide the Indian Navy with high-speed, stealthy warships. These vessels will be equipped with advanced weapon systems and state-of-the-art sensors, aimed at strengthening the Navy's capabilities as a future-ready combat force capable of addressing complex maritime challenges.

A key feature of the NGMV project is its focus on indigenous development. All major role-defining equipment for the ships is being manufactured within India, aligning with the Government of India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) and the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The development of these vessels reinforces India’s strategic commitment to building a robust and modern naval force to safeguard national interests in the strategically critical Indian Ocean Region.