Yard 3037 ‘Shruti’: India’s Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel

Context:

Recently, Yard 3037, named ‘Shruti’, a Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) built for the Indian Navy, was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The launch marks another step in India’s efforts to strengthen maritime surveillance, coastal security, and indigenous warship construction.

About ‘Shruti’:

• • • ‘Shruti’ is the second NGOPV launched by GRSE under a programme for building four such vessels. The wider NGOPV programme involves the construction of 11 vessels, with seven being built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and four by GRSE.
    • The vessels are designed as versatile platforms capable of undertaking both maritime-security and support operations.

Key Features:

The NGOPVs are approximately 113 metres long, have a displacement of around 3,000 tonnes and can achieve a design speed of about 23 knots. They have an endurance of approximately 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots, enabling prolonged operations at sea.

Operational Significance:

‘Shruti’ will strengthen the Navy’s ability to conduct maritime surveillance, anti-piracy operations, coastal security, search and rescue, protection of offshore assets and anti-trafficking missions. Such vessels can undertake routine maritime-security duties while allowing larger frontline warships to focus on high-end combat operations.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat:

• • • The NGOPV programme is an important component of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence. The ₹9,781-crore contract for 11 NGOPVs was signed in March 2023 under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, emphasising indigenous design, development and manufacturing.
    • The programme is also expected to generate substantial employment and provide opportunities for Indian defence manufacturers, shipbuilding companies and MSMEs.

Strategic Importance:

India’s expanding maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region require persistent surveillance and rapid response capabilities. NGOPVs can help protect sea lanes, offshore infrastructure and coastal areas while addressing non-traditional threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking and infiltration.

Conclusion:

The launch of Yard 3037 ‘Shruti’ demonstrates India’s growing indigenous shipbuilding capability and its focus on maritime security. The NGOPV programme combines naval modernisation, coastal surveillance, defence indigenisation and industrial development, strengthening India’s position as a capable maritime power in the Indian Ocean Region.