18 September 2026, Kochi: Keel Laying of the First Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) (BY 531) project being built for Indian Navy was held at Cochin Shipyard Limited by Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition from Integrated Headquarters, (Indian Navy) on 18 September 2026 in the presence of Shri Jose V J, Chairman and Managing Director, CSL, Rear Admiral Kapil Mehta, ACWP & A, Dr. S Harikrishnan, Director (Operations) CSL, Flag Officers and senior officials from Southern Naval Command. Officials from Warship Overseeing Team, representatives from Indian Register of Shipping, other senior officials from CSL and Indian Navy, Supervisors and Workers of CSL were also present for the ceremony. The keel laying marks a significant milestone in the construction of the vessel and symbolises the formal commencement of its construction.
CSL have six (06) Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV) in its order book under the contract signed with the Indian Navy on 30 March 2023
This marks CSL’s entry into construction of advanced weapon intensive platforms for Indian Navy in line with the Government’s initiative of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. These ships are envisaged as high-speed vessels with formidable array of weapon and sensors including Surface to Surface Missile system, Anti-Missile Defence System, Air Surveillance and Fire Control Radars. The primary role of the NGMV would be to provide offensive capability against enemy warship, merchantmen and land targets. These ships will be capable of conducting Maritime Strike Operations, Anti Surface Warfare Operations and would be a potent instrument of sea denial for enemy ships especially at choke points. In defensive role, these ships would be employed for Local Naval Defence operations and Seaward Defence of Offshore Development Area. The vessels will also be equipped with highly advanced state-of-the-art integrated platform management systems, propulsion machinery, auxiliary machinery, power generation and distribution machinery and damage control machinery etc. The ship will have a complement of total 80 personnel and having a maximum speed of 33 knots.
Official Spokesperson
Cochin Shipyard Limited
