India Lays Keel of First NGMV Missile Boat to Replace Veer Ships

On September 18, India held the keel-laying ceremony for the lead NGMV (Next Generation Missile Vessel) missile boat for the Indian Navy.

The ceremony took place at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the facility reported.

NGMV

According to Naval News, the main armament of the NGMV boats will be BrahMos anti-ship missiles housed in two twin-canister slanted launchers in the bow of the vessel.

To defend against aerial threats, the boats will be equipped with the VL-SRSAM SAM system, a 76 mm SRGM gun, and aft CIWS.

The primary radar will be a multifunctional X-band radar from Bharat Electronics Limited, with a target detection range of up to 200 km.

Each boat will be powered by a main propulsion system comprising a single GE Aerospace LM2500 gas turbine, which will be assembled under license by Indian company HAL.

The turbine will drive three large Kamewa waterjets from Norwegian company Kongsberg Maritime, with a contract for 18 units signed in April.

Delivery of the lead missile boat to the customer is scheduled for early 2027.

The new 1,500-tonne ships are intended to replace the aging Veer-class missile boats, which have been in service since the 20th century.

In July, India held the launch ceremony for the seventh ASW SWC (Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft) coastal anti-submarine warfare vessel.

The newly built craft was named INS Machilipatnam after the historic port city in Andhra Pradesh state.

The Indian Navy also planned to begin construction of four to five surface ships and submarines in 2026.