The formal launch of the construction work of the first modern generation high seas patrol vessel (X-GSL) was held on 03 May 2024 at M/s Goa Shipyard Limited, Goa. The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral B Shiv Kumar, Controller of Warship Construction and Acquisition. Shri BK Upadhyay, Chairman and Managing Director, Goa Shipyard Limited and other senior officers of the Indian Navy and M/s Goa Shipyard Limited were also present on this important occasion.
The contract for indigenous design and construction of 11 such modern generation offshore patrol vessels (NGOPVs) has been awarded to Ministry of Defense and M/s Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa and M/s Garden Reach on 30 March 2023. Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. Of these, seven ships are to be built by lead shipyard M/s GSL and four warships are to be built by follow shipyard M/s GRSE.
These new and modern generation ocean-going patrol vessels will be used to fulfill missions like anti-piracy, coastal security and surveillance, search and rescue and protection and preservation of offshore assets. These ships will enable the Indian Navy to expand its combat capabilities to protect the country's economic and geopolitical interests in the Indian Ocean region. This initiative is an important milestone in the progress of the Indian Navy towards building indigenous warships and is in line with the country's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' initiatives.