The Keel Laying Ceremony of the first ship of the Indian Navy’s Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project was held at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, on 18 Sep 2026. VAdm Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, was the Chief Guest. Senior officials from the Indian Navy and CSL were also present on the occasion.

Contract for construction of NGMVs was concluded with CSL in Mar 2023.The NGMVs are planned to be equipped with state-of-the-art weapon and sensors, which would significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the Indian Navy as a ‘Future Ready and Combat Ready Force’.

The construction of the NGMVs reinforces India’s commitment to build a strong and modern Navy, capable of operating in the complex maritime environment of the Indian Ocean Region.

The project also underscores the growing indigenous capabilities of the Indian defence industry, with all major role-defining equipment being indigenously developed and manufactured. This is in consonance with the Government of India's (GoI) vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Make for the World.

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VM/AS