India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding programme achieved another milestone on October 10, 2026, with the launch of Shreyas (Yard 3040), a Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. The vessel forms part of the Indian Navy’s efforts to strengthen maritime surveillance, safeguard offshore assets and expand its operational capabilities across India’s maritime areas of interest.
The launch ceremony was conducted by Mrs Reyman Kochhar in the presence of Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. Senior representatives from the Indian Navy, Ministry of Defence, GRSE and industry partners attended the event, which followed the Indian Navy’s established ship-launching traditions.
Shreyas to Strengthen India’s Maritime Surveillance and Security
The Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel programme aims to enhance the Indian Navy’s ability to undertake a wide range of maritime security operations. These indigenously designed and constructed vessels will supplement the Navy’s existing fleet of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPVs).
Shreyas is designed to support maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, protection of offshore installations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and anti-piracy missions. These capabilities will help the Navy maintain a sustained operational presence, respond to emergencies and protect India’s maritime interests.
Offshore patrol vessels play an important role in securing maritime infrastructure, including offshore energy installations and other strategically important assets. Their ability to undertake extended patrols also supports the monitoring of shipping activity and strengthens maritime situational awareness.
GRSE and Goa Shipyard Building India’s Next-Generation Patrol Fleet
The Indian Navy’s NGOPV construction programme is progressing simultaneously at two major Indian shipyards: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Goa. This parallel construction approach brings together the capabilities of two established defence shipbuilders to support the Navy’s fleet modernisation requirements.
The vessels are being designed and built in India, reflecting the country’s growing expertise in naval architecture, warship construction and maritime engineering. The programme also contributes to the development of India’s domestic shipbuilding ecosystem by involving shipyards, equipment manufacturers and industrial partners in naval production.
GRSE has played a longstanding role in building vessels for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. The launch of Yard 3040 adds another vessel to its indigenous naval construction portfolio and highlights the shipyard’s contribution to India’s expanding maritime capabilities.
Shreyas Reflects India’s Naval Heritage
The vessel’s name, Shreyas, is derived from Sanskrit and signifies excellence, the best or the most auspicious. The Indian Navy’s naming traditions draw upon India’s linguistic and cultural heritage, connecting modern naval platforms with the country’s civilisational identity.
The name reflects the Navy’s emphasis on operational excellence, professional commitment and service to the nation. As Shreyas progresses through the remaining stages of construction and preparation for operational service, it will carry forward this tradition as part of India’s modern maritime security architecture.
Indigenous Shipbuilding Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat
The launch of Shreyas represents another step in India’s efforts to strengthen self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Indigenous naval construction reduces dependence on overseas shipbuilding facilities while developing domestic expertise in vessel design, production and integration.
The NGOPV programme aligns with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, which encourage the development of national industrial capabilities and a stronger domestic defence manufacturing base.
With construction progressing at GRSE and Goa Shipyard, the Indian Navy continues to expand its future fleet through Indian shipbuilding expertise. The successful launch of Shreyas reinforces India’s commitment to developing a capable, modern and increasingly self-reliant Navy equipped to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests.
References
- Ministry of Defence, Press Information Bureau — Launch of Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (Yard 3040, Shreyas) at GRSE, Kolkata, October 10, 2026, 7:20 PM. Source: Official PIB release supplied above.
- Ministry of Defence, Press Information Bureau — Keel Laying of Fourth Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel Yard (3040), April 25, 2025.
https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=2124194 - Ministry of Defence, Press Information Bureau — Launch of Sanghmitra, Yard 3039 (Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel), May 20, 2026.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2263508
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