India begins construction of Next Generation Missile Vessels

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has held the keel-laying ceremony for the first Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) for the Indian Navy. These 1,500-ton vessels are designed to replace the aging Veer-class missile boats, which are Indian-built versions of the Soviet-era Molniya design.

The NGMV will be armed with four BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles mounted on two inclined launchers at the bow. For air defense, the ships will feature the VL-SRSAM missile system, a 76mm SRGM gun mount, and a close-in weapon system at the stern. Detection capabilities will be provided by a multi-function X-band radar from Bharat Electronics Limited, capable of detecting targets up to 200km away.

Propulsion for the vessels will include GE Aerospace LM2500 gas turbines, assembled under license by HAL in India, powering three large Kamewa waterjet propulsion systems manufactured by Norway’s Kongsberg Maritime. Delivery of the new missile vessels to the Indian Navy is expected to begin in early 2027.