March 18, New Delhi – The keel-laying ceremony for Yard 16402 and 16403, the second and third ships of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), was held at M/s YMPL, Ratnagiri, on March 17, 2026.
With a range of 5,000 nautical miles, these vessels will achieve a maximum speed of 23 knots. Measuring 117 meters in length and accommodating 11 officers and 110 personnel, the ships will feature advanced technological systems, including AI-based predictive maintenance, Remote Piloted Drones, an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), and an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
The OPVs are being indigenously designed, developed, and constructed by MDL under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, in line with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The contract for the construction of six Next Generation OPVs was signed on December 20, 2023.
This initiative marks a key milestone in the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) efforts to enhance operational capabilities and strengthen coastal security. The addition of the new fleet of NGOPVs will further bolster the ICG’s role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
The ceremony was presided over by IG Sudhir Sahni, TM, DDG (M&M), in the presence of senior officials from the ICG and MDL.
(Source: Ministry of Defence)