GRSE Launches ‘Shruti’, Second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel for Indian Navy – Indian PSU

Reinforcing India’s growing indigenous warship-building capabilities, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), the Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, launched ‘Shruti’, the second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) for the Indian Navy on Tuesday.

The launch comes less than three months after GRSE launched ‘Sanghmitra’, the first NGOPV, on May 20, 2026, underscoring the shipyard’s strong execution capability and consistent progress under the prestigious Indian Navy programme.

GRSE is constructing four NGOPVs under the Indian Navy’s ambitious 11-ship Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel programme, which aims to significantly enhance India’s maritime surveillance, coastal security and blue-water operational capabilities.

The warship was ceremonially launched by Smt. Manika Sadhu, wife of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition (CWP&A), Indian Navy, following traditional rituals and the chanting of Vedic shlokas. Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.

Senior dignitaries present included Cmde P.R. Hari (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director of GRSE; Cdr Shantanu Bose (Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding); Capt. P. Sunilkumar (Retd.), Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel); Shri Niranjan Bhalerao, Director (Finance); Shri Abhishek Ranjan, IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer; along with senior officials from the Indian Navy and GRSE.

‘Shruti’ Reflects India’s Cultural Heritage

The name ‘Shruti’, meaning “that which is heard,” is deeply rooted in Indian tradition. It refers to the four Vedas, the ancient scriptures preserved through oral tradition for generations and regarded as the foundation of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

A Significant Leap in Capability

The NGOPVs represent a substantial technological advancement over earlier offshore patrol vessels such as the Sukanya and Saryu classes.

Each vessel measures approximately 113 metres in length, 14.6 metres in beam, displaces around 3,000 tonnes, and is capable of achieving 23 knots. With an impressive endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots, these ships are designed for extended deployments across India’s maritime domain.

The vessels are equipped to undertake a wide range of missions, including:

• Coastal and offshore asset protection
• Maritime surveillance and interdiction
• Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations
• Mine warfare
• Special operations
• Anti-piracy and counter-infiltration missions
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
• Search and Rescue (SAR)
• Out-of-Area Contingency Operations
• Hospital support, COMINT and fleet maintenance roles

Indian Navy Applauds GRSE’s Contribution

Addressing the gathering, Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu praised GRSE’s remarkable contribution to India’s naval capability and indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.

“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.”

Highlighting GRSE’s legacy, he noted that the shipyard delivered INS Ajay, India’s first indigenously built naval platform, in 1961. Since then, GRSE has delivered over 110 warships to the Indian Navy and built more than 800 vessels and platforms for the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, export customers and other agencies.

Congratulating the shipyard on attaining Navratna status in June 2026, Vice Admiral Sadhu described the recognition as a tribute to the vision, commitment and professionalism of generations of GRSE employees.

“The launch of Shruti today is yet another reflection of the professionalism, competence and commitment of Team GRSE.”

GRSE Targets Another Busy Year

Speaking on the occasion, Cmde P.R. Hari (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director of GRSE, said the shipyard remains committed to the Government of India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and continues to expand its infrastructure and capabilities.

He highlighted that the four NGOPVs under construction are significantly larger, possess greater endurance, advanced sensors and sophisticated weapon systems compared to earlier generations of offshore patrol vessels.

Reflecting on GRSE’s performance, he said: “Last year was an exciting year for us, when we delivered eight warships and launched one warship. This year shall be equally exciting, when we will deliver five warships and launch four vessels.”

The launch of Shruti marks another major milestone for GRSE and reinforces India’s steady march towards self-reliance in defence production while strengthening the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities across the Indo-Pacific.