Cochin Shipyard Lays Keel for Indian Navy's First NGMV

Cochin Shipyard laid the keel of the Indian Navy's first Next Generation Missile Vessel on September 18, marking a major construction milestone for a six-ship program. The March 2023 contract is valued at ₹9,804 crore, and steel for the lead vessel was cut in December 2024. The waterjet-propelled design is intended for high-speed anti-surface warfare and is expected to combine BrahMos missiles, vertical-launch air defense weapons, a 76-millimeter gun and close-in defenses. The class supports India's domestic shipbuilding strategy, while the lead ship is presently targeted for delivery in 2027.