GSL launches BrahMos missile system-equipped frigate
Keel Laying ceremony of the second and third Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV), to be constructed by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), was held at Yeoman Marine Services Private Ltd (YMSPL), Ratnagiri, on 23 Mar 25.
The contracts for indigenous design and construction of 11 NGOPV were concluded on 30 Mar 2023 between Ministry of Defence and GSL, Goa, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with seven ships to be constructed by Lead Shipyard GSL and four ships by Follow Shipyard GRSE.
Main hull blocks of Yard 1281 and Yard 1282 are being fabricated at the premises of YMSPL, Ratnagiri as part of GSL’s build strategy. Keel Laying ceremony of both the vessels was held at Ratnagiri with V Adm R Swaminathan, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition as the Chief Guest, in the presence of senior officials from Indian Navy, GSL and YMSPL.
The NGOPVs with an approximate tonnage of 3,000T, are designed for Coastal Defence & Surveillance, Search & Rescue operations, Protection of Offshore Assets and Anti-Piracy missions. Keel Laying of these vessels marks a significant milestone in the overall project timeline https://www.makeinindia.com/home/.
The 11 NGOPVs are being built in consonance with the nation’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ and are poised to augment the Indian Naval maritime prowess.
GSL has also launched ‘Tavasya’, the second frigate of Project 1135.6 (Yard 1259) on 22 Mar. The launch marks a significant advancement in India’s self-reliance in warship construction, reinforcing the country’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.
The ship has been named ‘Tavasya’, after the mace of legendary warrior ‘Bhima’ from the ‘Mahabharata’, representing the indomitable spirit and growing strength of the Indian Navy.
The ship was ceremonially launched by Neeta Seth, in the esteemed presence of Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, who commended the GSL’s extraordinary achievement in launching two complex, weapon-intensive frigates within just eight months, despite geopolitical challenges affecting global supply chains.
Highlighting the Navy’s growing self-reliance, he remarked, “This launch is a defining moment in India’s Naval history, showcasing our technological capabilities and unwavering commitment to self-reliance.
“The successful localization of critical components such as the BrahMos missile system, torpedo launchers, sonar, and auxiliary control systems demonstrates the growing resilience of India’s shipbuilding ecosystem. The launch of Tavasya is not just a step forward for the Indian Navy but a giant leap for India’s strategic defence ambitions,” the minister said.
With a displacement exceeding 3,800 tons, ‘Tavasya’ is engineered to execute a diverse range of offensive and defensive operations, ensuring strategic dominance in the Indian Ocean Region. Equipped with advanced stealth features, high-endurance capabilities, and next-generation combat systems, the ship represents a significant boost to the operational might of the Indian Navy, the minister said.
He reaffirmed India’s ambition to emerge as a global leader in warship exports, citing GSL’s pioneering role in defence exports and the Ministry of Defence’s vision to achieve Rs.50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029 http://mod.gov.in.
Speaking on the occasion, GSL Chairman and Managing Director Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay highlighted the shipyard’s remarkable evolution into a strategic defence asset for the nation.
“The launch of ‘Tavasya’ is the culmination of our relentless pursuit of excellence in indigenous warship building. From being a mid-sized shipbuilder, GSL has evolved into a leading defence yard, now delivering some of the most complex naval platforms. This project reaffirms our capability to execute high-end warship programs with precision, efficiency, and unmatched commitment to national security,” he said.
It is a maiden attempt by an Indian Shipyard to construct these complex platforms, which were previously imported in a fully built condition.
With an indigenous content exceeding 56%, far surpassing the 25% in similar ships constructed abroad, the frigate is a shining example of India’s engineering prowess, bolstering national security and strengthening India’s position in the global defence ecosystem.
The formidable multi-role stealth frigate is designed to operate across the full spectrum of Naval Warfare – Air, Surface, and Sub-Surface – ensuring unmatched operational capability.
GSL’s impressive execution record has positioned it at the forefront of India’s defence shipbuilding industry. The shipyard has successfully launched seven ships within a year, a feat that underscores its capabilities in delivering multi-domain, next-generation vessels.
The contract for building two Project 1135.6 Follow-on frigates was signed between the Ministry of Defence and GSL 25 Jan 19. The first ship ‘Triput’, was launched on 23 Jul 24. These ships are designed for surface, sub-surface and air combat operations. ‘Triput’ and ‘Tavasya’ are 124.8 m long and 15.2 m wide, with a draught of 4.5 m. The displacement is approximately 3,600 tons with a maximum speed of 28 knots.
‘Triput’ and ‘Tavasya’ have a large percentage of indigenous origin equipment, weapons and sensors, ensuring large scale defence production by Indian manufacturing units generating employment and capability enhancement within the country. These ships are also equipped with stealth features, advanced weapon & sensors and platform management systems, the Ministry said. fiinews.com
