Keel Laying of Next-Gen OPVs Marks Big Step in India’s Defense Manufacturing

The ceremony held to strengthen maritime security the keel laying of the two Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard. This ceremony for Yard 16402 and 16403 was held on March 17, 2026, at M/s YMPL in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. These vessels are part of the larger project involving six advanced OPVs aimed at enhancing coastal surveillance.

Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels Features and Capabilities

The Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels are designed to advanced operational capabilities to strengthen the maritime surveillance and response systems.

These ships will have a range of around the 5,000 nautical miles and they can achieve a maximum speed of 23 knots.

Which is making them suitable for long duration patrol missions.

The vessels with a length of 117 meters they are equipped to operate efficiently in diverse maritime conditions.

These OPVs will accommodate 11 officers and 110 personnel and it is ensuring adequate manpower for complex operations.

The vessels will include modern systems such as AI based predictive maintenance and which helps in early detection of technical issues.

Indigenous Defense With Next Gen Offshore Patrol Vessels

The Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels are the indigenously designed, developed and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)in India.

This project falls under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category and in which it promotes domestic defense production.

This initiative supports India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and also it aiming to reduce dependency on foreign defense imports.

The contract for constructing six OPVs was signed in December 20, 2023 and it also marking a major step in strengthening India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem.

Role of Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels

The conduction of the next generation offshore patrol vessels will significantly improve the operational capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

These vessels are designed to perform multiple roles like the including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, anti-smuggling operations and also the protection of offshore assets.

About Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels

Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) are advanced ships designed for long-range maritime patrol and surveillance.

They are widely used by the Indian coast guards and navies for security, law enforcement and humanitarian missions.

These vessels are equipped with modern navigation systems, communication tools and sometimes unmanned aerial systems.

OPVs are a key component of coastal defense strategy for the Indian defense.

Question

Q. Under which category are the Next Generation OPVs being developed?

A. Buy (Global)
B. Buy and Make
C. Buy (Indian-IDDM)
D. Strategic Partnership