Indian Navy's First NGMV Keel Laid at Cochin Shipyard, Kochi

What happened

The keel laying ceremony of the first ship of the Indian Navy's Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project was held at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, on 18 September 2026. Keel laying is the formal start of a warship's construction, and it marks the point at which a vessel moves from design and contract into the build stage on the slipway.

Who was present

Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, was the Chief Guest at the ceremony. Senior officials from the Indian Navy and from Cochin Shipyard Limited were also present on the occasion.

The NGMV contract

The contract for the construction of the Next Generation Missile Vessels was concluded with Cochin Shipyard Limited in March 2023. The keel laying in September 2026 therefore follows the contract by about three and a half years, a normal gap in warship programmes while design and long-lead items are settled.

What the vessels will carry

The NGMVs are planned to be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors. According to the Ministry of Defence, these fits would significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the Indian Navy as a "Future Ready and Combat Ready Force".

Why the Navy needs them

The Ministry has said that the construction of the NGMVs reinforces India's commitment to build a strong and modern Navy, capable of operating in the complex maritime environment of the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Ocean Region is the Navy's primary area of responsibility, and missile vessels are the fast, heavily armed ships used for strike roles within it.

Indigenous content

The project also underscores the growing indigenous capabilities of the Indian defence industry, with all major role-defining equipment being indigenously developed and manufactured. The Ministry places the programme in line with the Government of India's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Make for the World.