Cochin Shipyard Limited completes keel‑laying ceremony for India’s first next‑generation missile vessel (NGMV).

Cochin Shipyard Limited, located in Kochi, conducted the keel‑laying ceremony today for the first next‑generation missile vessel (Next Generation Missile Vessel – NGMV) being prepared for the Indian Navy. The ceremony was attended by senior officers of the Navy, management of the shipyard, and representatives from the Ministry of Defence. With the keel‑laying, the construction of the vessel formally commenced, incorporating state‑of‑the‑art technologies that include modern radar, anti‑air defence systems, and long‑range cruise missiles. The vessel is designed with a displacement of 2,500 tonnes, a length of 70 metres, and a beam of 12 metres, and will play a crucial role in enhancing India’s maritime power.

The NGMV project is regarded as a major step to strengthen the future capabilities of the Indian Navy. Building on the experience of earlier projects such as the Killer Class and Killer‑II Class missile vessels, this vessel will offer higher speed, improved stealth profile, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities. Cochin Shipyard has built several major naval ships over the past two decades, and through this project aims to further consolidate India’s self‑reliance in indigenous defence production.

Defence experts believe that the successful construction of the NGMV will alter India’s maritime defence strategy, especially in view of increasing competition in the Indian Ocean region. After the vessel’s delivery, the Indian Navy will gain rapid response capability and extended coverage in its neutral maritime areas, benefiting both national security and regional stability.