भारतीय नौदलाचे नेक्स्ट-जनरेशन गस्ती जहाज 'श्रुती' जीआरएसई कोलकाता...

By GT24x7 Reporter · 12 August 2026 · GlobalToday24x7

On August 11, the Indian Navy achieved another milestone in its indigenous shipbuilding drive with the formal launch of 'Shruti', the second Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV). The ceremony took place at the state-owned Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) in Kolkata, West Bengal. Launched by Manika Sadhu, wife of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, the vessel symbolises India's accelerating momentum under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) and 'Make in India' defence manufacturing initiatives.

Advancing Indigenous Maritime Capabilities

The vessel, officially designated as Yard 3037, is a critical component of the Indian Navy's expansive 11-ship NGOPV programme. This ambitious defence contract is being executed concurrently by two premier domestic shipyards—GRSE in Kolkata and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). GRSE has been tasked with constructing four of these advanced vessels. Notably, 'Shruti' was launched less than three months after 'Sanghmitra', the first NGOPV built by GRSE, demonstrating the shipyard's rapid production tempo. Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, presiding as the Chief Guest, emphasised that the Navy's responsibility extends beyond defending national borders. It encompasses ensuring the freedom of navigation, securing critical sea lanes, and guaranteeing the uninterrupted flow of energy and essential goods to and from the nation.

Tactical Specifications and Multi-Domain Operations

Designed to supersede older vessel classes like the Sukanya and Saryu class OPVs, the Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels are significantly larger and technically superior. 'Shruti' measures approximately 113 metres in length and 14.6 metres in width, boasting a displacement of roughly 3,000 tonnes. The vessel is engineered for high performance in unpredictable maritime environments, capable of reaching maximum speeds of up to 23 knots. For prolonged deployments, it offers an impressive endurance of 8,500 nautical miles while maintaining a cruising speed of 14 knots.

Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, advanced communication systems, and a potent weapons suite, 'Shruti' will undertake a wide array of missions. These include coastal and offshore asset protection, maritime surveillance, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations, and mine warfare. Furthermore, the ship will play a pivotal role in out-of-area contingencies, anti-piracy patrols, counter-infiltration measures, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.

Cultural Heritage and Strategic Vision

Rooted deeply in India's rich historical and civilisational ethos, the name 'Shruti' translates to "that which is heard". In ancient Indian tradition, it refers to the four Vedas, the foundational scriptures preserved through generations via oral tradition. The vessel's distinct crest design further highlights its maritime operational role, featuring the Ursa Major constellation alongside a red-and-white lighthouse, guiding forces for ancient and modern mariners alike.