SHRUTI — NEXT GENERATION OFFSHORE PATROL VESSEL

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

SHRUTI — NEXT GENERATION OFFSHORE PATROL VESSEL

Why in News

On 11 August 2026, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, launched Yard 3037 “Shruti”, the second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel being built by GRSE for the Indian Navy. The vessel was launched by Smt. Manika Sadhu in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu.

Background and Programme

The Ministry of Defence signed contracts in March 2023 for 11 NGOPVs at a cost of about ₹9,781 crore under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. Goa Shipyard Limited is building seven ships, while GRSE is constructing four. Shruti follows GRSE’s first NGOPV, Sanghmitra, launched in May 2026.

Key Features

Shruti is about 113 metres long, 14.6 metres wide and displaces around 3,000 tonnes. It can attain about 23 knots and has an endurance of nearly 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots. The class is designed for surveillance, maritime interdiction, protection of offshore assets, anti-piracy, search and rescue, special operations and HADR missions.

Strategic Importance and India’s Stand

The project supports India’s policy of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in defence shipbuilding. These vessels will strengthen maritime domain awareness, protect sea lanes, offshore assets and India’s large Exclusive Economic Zone, and improve the Navy’s ability to respond to piracy and regional emergencies.

Current Status

Shruti has been launched and will now undergo outfitting, system integration and trials before commissioning. The wider NGOPV programme is progressing simultaneously at GRSE and GSL and is intended to augment the Navy’s existing offshore patrol fleet.

Analytical Questions

1. Why does India need large Offshore Patrol Vessels when it already has destroyers, frigates and Coast Guard ships?

Answer: Different ships serve different roles. Destroyers and frigates are high-end combat platforms and are expensive to deploy for routine patrol. Offshore Patrol Vessels are better suited for long-duration surveillance, anti-piracy, EEZ protection and presence missions. They free major warships for more demanding combat tasks.

2. How does the NGOPV programme support Aatmanirbhar Bharat beyond simply building ships in India?

Answer: Its value lies in building a wider defence-industrial ecosystem. Domestic shipyards, equipment makers, designers and smaller suppliers gain experience and orders. Over time, this can reduce import dependence, improve repair capability and create skilled jobs. Real self-reliance, however, requires indigenous systems, not only local assembly.

3. Why is long endurance important for a vessel like Shruti?

Answer: India has a very large maritime area and important sea lanes. A patrol vessel must remain at sea for long periods without frequent refuelling or resupply. High endurance improves surveillance, anti-piracy patrols and protection of offshore assets. It also allows faster response during emergencies far from the coast.

4. How can an Offshore Patrol Vessel contribute to diplomacy and foreign policy, not just defence?

Answer: Such vessels can support HADR, search and rescue, evacuation and assistance to friendly countries. Port visits and joint patrols also build trust with regional partners. In the Indian Ocean, a ship that provides security and humanitarian support can strengthen India’s image as a reliable maritime partner.

5. What is the strategic value of building NGOPVs simultaneously at GRSE and Goa Shipyard Limited?

Answer: Using two shipyards spreads workload and reduces dependence on a single production line. It can improve delivery speed, create competition and preserve shipbuilding skills at more than one location. It also strengthens national industrial capacity. However, common standards and coordination are essential to control cost and delays.