Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has achieved another milestone in its shipbuilding programme with the launch of ‘Shruti’, the second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) being built for the Indian Navy.
The warship was launched on August 11, 2026, less than three months after GRSE launched ‘Sanghmitra’, the first NGOPV from the shipyard, on May 20. The rapid pace of construction highlights GRSE’s growing capability and momentum in executing the Indian Navy’s prestigious NGOPV programme.
GRSE is constructing four of the 11 NGOPVs being built under the Indian Navy’s programme.
The launch ceremony was conducted amidst traditional rituals and the chanting of Vedic shlokas. Smt. Manika Sadhu, wife of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition (CWP&A), Indian Navy, formally launched the vessel. Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu was the Chief Guest at the ceremony.
The event was attended by Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, along with Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding); Capt. (IN) P. Sunilkumar (Retd.), Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel); Shri Niranjan Bhalerao, Director (Finance); Shri Abhishek Ranjan, IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer; and senior officials from the Indian Navy and GRSE.
‘Shruti’ named after India’s ancient Vedic tradition
The name ‘Shruti’, meaning “that which is heard”, has deep roots in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. In the Indian tradition, Shruti refers to the four Vedas, ancient scriptures preserved through oral tradition across generations.
The NGOPVs represent a significant advancement over the Offshore Patrol Vessels previously constructed for the Indian Navy. The vessels are designed with enhanced endurance, firepower and operational versatility.
Each NGOPV measures approximately 113 metres in length and 14.6 metres in width, with a displacement of around 3,000 tonnes. The vessels will be capable of achieving speeds of up to 23 knots and will have an endurance of approximately 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots.
Designed as highly versatile platforms, the NGOPVs will undertake a wide range of maritime security and naval missions, including coastal and offshore asset protection, maritime interdiction, surveillance, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS), mine warfare and special operations.
The vessels will also support Out of Area Contingency Operations, anti-piracy and counter-infiltration missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), search and rescue operations, as well as hospital, communications intelligence (COMINT) and fleet maintenance roles.
Navy highlights maritime security and indigenous shipbuilding
Addressing the gathering, Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu underlined the Indian Navy’s wider role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
“The Navy’s responsibility is not only to defend our national interests; it is also to ensure freedom of navigation, security of our sea lanes, and the uninterrupted flow of energy and essential goods to and from India.”
He highlighted the progress made by India in building a technologically advanced domestic defence manufacturing and shipbuilding ecosystem, supported by government policy initiatives.
Vice Admiral Sadhu also recalled GRSE’s long association with the Indian Navy, noting that the shipyard delivered INS Ajay in 1961, described as the first indigenously built platform. Over the decades, GRSE has delivered more than 110 warships to the Indian Navy and built over 800 ships and platforms for the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, export customers and other countries.
He also noted GRSE’s elevation to Navratna status in June 2026, describing it as recognition of the vision, hard work and commitment of the shipyard’s personnel over the years.
“The launch of Shruti today is yet another reflection of the professionalism, competence and commitment of Team GRSE,” he said.
GRSE targets higher warship production
Cmde PR Hari highlighted GRSE’s expansion plans and reiterated the shipyard’s commitment to Atmanirbharta and self-reliance in defence shipbuilding.
He said the NGOPVs are significantly larger and more capable than their predecessors, including the Sukanya-class and indigenously built Saryu-class Offshore Patrol Vessels, with greater endurance, advanced equipment and sensors, and enhanced weapon capabilities.
“Shruti, as she shall be named in a few moments from now, belongs to the Naval Ship of Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel project, of which four vessels are being constructed by GRSE,” Cmde Hari said.
He further highlighted the shipyard’s strong production pipeline, noting that GRSE delivered eight warships and launched one warship last year. The shipyard is targeting the delivery of five warships and the launch of four vessels this year.
The launch of Shruti reinforces GRSE’s position as a key contributor to India’s naval shipbuilding capabilities and underscores the country’s growing emphasis on indigenous design, construction and technological self-reliance in the maritime defence sector.
