Construction has begun on a new corvette for the Indian Navy at Cochin Shipyard, marking the latest stage in the Navy’s Next-Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) programme. The vessel is the second ship of the planned class, which is expected to include six ships.
The NGMV programme involves an estimated cost of around US$1 billion. The ships are being designed for a range of naval missions and will be equipped with different weapon and defence systems.
The new corvette is planned to have a length of about 89 metres and a displacement of approximately 1,437 tonnes. According to available details, the vessel will have a maximum speed of around 35 knots and a range of about 2,800 nautical miles when travelling at 25 knots.
Its propulsion arrangement will include diesel engines, a gas turbine and waterjet systems. The vessel is also expected to carry a 76mm naval gun, close-in weapon systems, BrahMos anti-ship missiles and surface-to-air missiles. Other planned systems include counter-drone missiles and loitering munitions.
Cochin Shipyard is responsible for construction of the vessel as part of the programme. The project forms part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing fleet construction activities.
The start of construction now moves the second NGMV vessel from the planning stage into the shipbuilding phase. Further progress will depend on construction, equipment installation, testing and subsequent trials before the vessel enters naval service.
