Kolkata: The Indian Navy achieved another important milestone in its indigenous shipbuilding programme with the launch of Yard 3039, the next-generation offshore patrol vessel named Sanghmitra, at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata on May 20.
The vessel was formally launched by Sarita Vatsayan in the presence of Sanjay Vatsayan during a ceremony conducted with full naval honours and traditional maritime customs. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Navy and GRSE attended the event.
Sanghmitra is part of the Indian Navy’s ambitious programme to build 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs), which are being constructed simultaneously at shipyards in Goa and Kolkata. The vessels are designed and built in India, reflecting the country’s growing emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
The new class of offshore patrol vessels is expected to significantly strengthen India’s maritime operational capabilities across multiple domains. These ships will support surveillance missions, coastal and offshore defence operations, search and rescue efforts, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, anti-piracy patrols and the protection of strategic offshore assets.
The vessel’s name carries historical and cultural significance. Sanghmitra is named after the daughter of Emperor Ashoka, who is remembered for spreading Buddhism and promoting peace across Asia. The ship’s crest features the constellation Ursa Major along with a red-and-white lighthouse, symbolising guidance, vigilance and maritime strength.
The launch marks another step forward in India’s efforts to modernise its naval fleet with advanced domestically produced platforms. Officials said the NGOPV programme reflects the Navy’s long-term vision of enhancing maritime security while simultaneously strengthening the country’s indigenous defence industry.
With the addition of vessels like Sanghmitra, India continues to expand its operational readiness in the Indian Ocean region amid evolving maritime security challenges and increasing strategic activity across regional waters.
